Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge

Prior to the introduction of the dental implants dayton oh in 1951 you only had one option and that was the dental bridge. In the last 25 years the popularity of the implant has really accelerated with more than 500,000 procedures a year now placing implants. Both replacement methods have their pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages. Each scenario is based on the patient and the situation that the dentist and patient find that replacement in. We’ll go through some documented differences to help you make your decision.

Practicality-Understand the Difference

Let’s make sure you know the difference between the two replacement methods. If you have found yourself with a missing tooth, either through an unfortunate accident or a planned extraction, it is in your best interests to fill that gap. If you do not your neighboring teeth will shift into that gap over time and affect your overall bite pattern. Of course, there is your smile as well to be conscious off. Your smile is the foundation for your self-esteem and your self-confidence.

A dental bridge involves the two teeth on each side of the gap. A thin layer of enamel must be removed so a crown can be placed on each of these teeth. Those two crowns serve as anchors to support the artificial tooth, or crown, that will fill the gap. These two teeth are called abutment teeth, hence the term bridge.

A dental implant does not involve the neighboring teeth. A hole is drilled into the jaw bone and a titanium post is placed into that hole. After a given period of time, as much as a few months, the post will grow or graft to the bone. An extension is placed on that post, also called an abutment. Then the final step is a porcelain or ceramic crown fabricated at a dental lab is cemented on that abutment.

Several Identifiable Differences

Starting with a visual or aesthetic approach, the implant is superior to the bridge. Not being attached to the adjoining teeth makes it look as natural as possible. The second difference would be durability or permanence. The life expectancy for a bridge is roughly 10 years. The implant can double that if you use common sense. Even though the titanium post makes the implant very strong the crown is still porcelain or ceramic and chewing on ice will not be advisable. Sometimes you may have to physically chose the bridge if your jawbone will not be strong enough to accept the post. If the dentist observes gum issues that could stymie the implant solution as well. Or, from a cost perspective, the bridge is more economical since your insurance company will not pay for the entire cost of the implant.

Proper Care

Both replacements still need consistent proper oral hygiene. Continue to brush twice a day, floss once, and get into the habit of seeing your dentist twice a year for checkup evaluations to extend the life of either. They will also professionally clean your teeth which of course if terrific for the health of your entire mouth.

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