Differences Between Dental Implants And Bridges

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Differences Between Dental Implants And Bridges

24 March 2023
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


Maintaining good dental health is essential for your oral hygiene and overall well-being. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two popular options are dental implants and bridges. Although both methods can achieve the desired outcome, significant differences between them warrant careful consideration to make an informed decision.

How Are The Materials Used In These Options Different?

Dental implants primarily use titanium, which fuses with your jawbone over time. Bridges, conversely, use porcelain or metal reinforced with porcelain. The crown that rests on the implant will use a similar material to the artificial teeth in a dental bridge. As a result, a dental implant can provide you with a realistic replacement tooth firmly anchored into the jawbone.

How Do The Placement Procedures Differ?

The dental implant process involves multiple steps, starting with removing any remaining tooth at the site before placing the implant during the initial surgery. This is followed by a healing period, after which an abutment is placed in the gums and jaw bone. Finally, the tooth is capped. The entire process takes several months, but some patients may need slightly longer or shorter for this procedure.

Bridge placement may also require several visits. Unfortunately, this placement may be more uncomfortable and painful than receiving a dental implant. This results from the need to file down multiple teeth to serve as anchors for the bridge. While getting a bridge will be quicker, the higher discomfort is a factor patients should consider.

How Different Are The Maintenance Requirements For Implants And Bridges?

Implants are relatively easy to maintain, which can be a major selling point for them. For these replacement teeth, you care for them as you would natural teeth by thoroughly brushing and flossing daily. In contrast, bridges require more intensive maintenance and care. This is particularly true for the teeth that serve as the anchors for the bridge. They must be regularly cleaned and inspected to maintain the structural integrity to support the bridge's weight.

Are Dental Implants Or Bridges More Durable?

Dental implants generally outlast bridges because they meld with the jawbone, which keeps them stable. Unfortunately, a bridge will degrade far more quickly. While it is possible to replace a bridge that has suffered extensive wear, this can be an added cost that you must consider over the lifetime of the tooth replacement. Dental implant post-placement failure is rare, but when it does occur, it usually happens during the initial recovery stages after placement. Patients must take exceptional care of their newly implanted prosthetic during this period to avoid long-term health problems.

To learn more about dental implants, contact a professional dentist in your area.