Are you looking to restore your missing teeth? Two popular options stand out in restorative dentistry: dental bridges and dental implants in Long Beach. Both are effective treatments, but they come with individual advantages and disadvantages that can impact your decision-making process. It will help you understand the differences, benefits, and potential drawbacks of dental implants and bridges to make an informed decision. In this blog, you can compare dental bridges and implants regarding their effectiveness, costs, longevity, and other factors.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium object that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over several months in a process known as osseointegration. Once the implant securely unites the bone, a crown is placed on top to complete the restoration. Let us examine the advantages of the restoration.
Advantages of Dental Implants:
- Durability and Longevity: Dental implants are known for their remarkable durability. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. This makes implants a long-term solution to missing teeth instead of other treatments that may need replacement over time.
- Enhance Jawbone Health: One of the most significant advantages of implants is their ability to stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone beneath it generally deteriorates. Implants help maintain bone density by minimizing the function of natural teeth.
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants will function and appear like natural teeth. They provide stability and eliminate the discomfort and shifting that can occur with your dentures or bridges. Additionally, because implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, they preserve the natural structure of your mouth.
- No Impact on Adjacent Teeth: Unlike dental bridges, implants don’t require altering the neighboring healthy teeth. This is a significant benefit for people who want to maintain the integrity of their surrounding teeth.
Slight Drawbacks of Dental Implants:
- Higher Initial Cost: The upfront cost of a dental implant can be significant, particularly when factoring in the oral surgery, implant placement, and crowning. Although in the long run, dental implants will give better returns of your investment. This is one of the primary reasons many people opt for bridges as a more affordable alternative.
- Surgical Procedure: Since dental implants require oral surgery, there are associated risks, such as infection, complications with healing, or failure of the implant to integrate correctly with the bone. It’s essential to ensure sufficient bone density in the area where the implant will be placed.
- Longer Treatment Time: Implants require several months to integrate fully with the bone, so the process takes longer than a bridge. You may need to wait long before placing the final crown.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It involves creating a “bridge” by attaching a false tooth (pontic) to adjacent healthy teeth (abutments). The bridge is custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. It is typically secured using dental crowns placed over the abutment teeth.
Advantages of Dental Bridges:
- Quick Treatment: One of the most appealing benefits of dental bridges is the relatively fast treatment time. In most cases, your procedure will take just two sittings: one to prepare the teeth and take impressions and another to fit the bridge.
- Lower Upfront Cost: Dental bridges are generally more affordable than implants, making them an attractive option for those on a budget. They require no surgery and are often less expensive to complete.
- Non-Invasive: The procedure is non-invasive because bridges do not require surgical placement like implants. It can be ideal for those who fear oral surgery.
- Immediate Functionality: You can use the bridge immediately after it is placed. This is a quicker option for people looking for a fast solution.
Disadvantages of Dental Bridges:
- Impact on Neighboring Teeth: The adjacent teeth must be reshaped and filed to accommodate the crowns to place a bridge. This means that healthy teeth get affected, which can weaken them over time and may even lead to decay or sensitivity.
- Potential for Shorter Lifespan: Although dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years, they typically do not last as long as dental implants. Over time, you might need a bridge replacement due to wear, loosening, or damage.
- Risk of Decay: The teeth that anchor the bridge (abutments) are at risk for decay or damage, as the added stress can affect their long-term health.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Consider your budget, teeth health, and time preference when choosing between a dental bridge and a dental implant in Long Beach. Consultation with a dentist is the best way to ensure you make the most suitable decision based on your unique oral health needs. Whether you opt for the longevity and stability of a dental implant or the faster, cost-effective solution of a dental bridge, both can significantly improve your smile. You can select the option that best fits your needs and expectations by carefully weighing the pros and cons.