Dental Implant vs. Bridge: Which Is the Best Restorative Solution for Your Smile?

Tooth loss happens frequently. In fact, 178 million people have lost at least one tooth, and the average amount of missing teeth in the 20-64 age group is 6.5 teeth. Whether it’s from oral disease, injury, or lack of access to care, losing teeth affects how you can eat or speak.

These statistics show the need for dental restoration, like implants and bridges. But which solution is best for you?

Dr. Nils Anderson and our Village Dental team assist people in the Richmond Hill, Georgia, area with dental restoration services for damaged and missing teeth, including bridges and implants.

How dental bridges work

This appliance replaces one or more teeth and fits between existing healthy teeth to hold it in place. The replacement tooth (pontic) can be made from several materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, resin, and several metals. 

Bridge options include:

• Traditional: involves placing a crown on both sides of the bridge
• Maryland bridge (resin-bonded): a winged system bonded to the back of the teeth. 
• Implant-supported: embedding it in the jaw, similar to dental implants.
• Cantilever: performed less frequently, when just one side of the gap has a natural tooth

How dental implants work

This technique utilizes a process called osseointegration, which fuses a metal post with the jawbone where the missing tooth needs to be replaced. Once the fusion is complete, the post is covered with a connecting device called an abutment. Then, a crown is attached. 

Multiple posts can be used to hold numerous teeth.

Pros and cons of these restoration options

To help determine which type of tooth replacement to use, keep these facts in mind:

Bridges

Benefits 

This method doesn’t cost as much, is less invasive than implants, takes less time, and recovery is easier. 

Drawbacks

The result looks less natural than implants, requires replacement every 5-10 years, and often necessitates shaving down other teeth for fitting, which increases the risk of dental issues in those teeth.

Implants

Benefits 

These offer a long-term solution for missing teeth, lasting as long as 15 years with proper care. They also resemble your other teeth and cause less damage to adjacent teeth.

Drawbacks

Implants cost more, making getting multiple implants costly. The entire healing process also takes about six months. Getting implants may not be an option if your gums and jawbone aren’t healthy enough to support them.

Both restorative options will improve your dental health, but several factors affect which choice is right for you. Contact Dr. Anderson and Village Dental today to find the right choice for your oral needs.