Bridge or Dental Implant – Which One Is Better?

Both dental implants and bridges are the best missing tooth restoration options, but which one is better? How do you decide which option to choose between these two? Just like all treatments, they have pros and cons. A dental implant vs. bridge, what should you go for?

What Are Dental Implants – Pros and Cons

A dental implant is a permanent solution to your missing teeth. It is made of titanium and its alloy, which is fixed inside the jaw bone. The best part is that it revives the bone tissues and biologically becomes one unit.

Dental implants offer strength, stability, and a one hundred percent naturally looking smile. Nobody’s going to know what happened.

Advantages
Here are the top 5 advantages of using dental implants:

1. A Dental implant vs a bridge is permanent and stable – Unlike other options, they do not slip or shift in the mouth because of surgical anchoring into the jawbone.
2. Dental implants can improve oral health – Since they don’t need adjacent teeth for support, dental implants preserve oral health from deterioration.
3. They look 100% natural – Dental implants match the color and shape of your natural teeth; therefore, they function and look just like natural teeth. This allows you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
4. Durable and long-lasting – Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
5. They improve the overall quality of life – Missing teeth affect your eating, speaking, and of course, your smile.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

1. Dental implants are costly, more so if you require multiple implants.
2. It does not cover the cost of extra procedures like bone grafting.
3. It is an invasive surgery with some risks, such as infection, damage to surrounding teeth or blood vessels, and nerve injury.
4. Dental implants may not be suitable if you have medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or immune system disorders.
5. A dental implant vs. bridge’s healing time is extensive and takes months to complete.
6. The most important issue is that your implant could fail, either due to infection or because the bone does not fuse properly with the implant.

Dental Bridge – Advantages and Disadvantages

A dental bridge vs implant is a removable dental prosthetic that is an easy way out for getting rid of the gap in your teeth. They are made of acrylic, resin, or a combination. They need extensive care to last long enough.

Advantages

1. Insurance coverage is a possibility.
2. Dental bridges do not need extra procedures such as bone grafting or invasive surgery.
3. Mostly, the cost is lesser of a bridge vs a dental implant.
4. Usually, it requires no more than 2 visits to complete this entire procedure.

Disadvantages

1. Dental bridges need replacement about every 5 to 7 years. However, with proper care, they may last for more than 10 years.
2. They do not stay fresh and crisp throughout. A dental bridge vs dental implant loses its natural-looking appearance with age.
3. It has a risk of more cavities and tooth decay involved in surrounding teeth than with implants.

Final Words

Your dentist is an expert in handling matters of the mouth and can help you decide whichever option is best for you. You can always head to Cinco Ranch Family Dentistry for more information on dental implants or bridges. Dial (281) 407-5442 to connect with us.