So, you lost a tooth, now what? Luckily in this day and age we have options! While there are medical reasons that may determine the best course of action, here we will list some pros and cons of dental implants vs. dental bridges if you have a choice.
So what exactly is a dental bridge as opposed to a dental implant? A dental bridge is a set of three teeth, which involves the teeth on both sides of the missing one. The two neighboring teeth get crowns on top of them, while a fake tooth nestles in between them. It is all constructed as one piece in the laboratory, and is usually a quicker, easier process.
Dental implants do not need any help from other teeth; it involves a fixture being implanted into the bone, a process which can take a few months to heal. Once the time has gone by, and the bone has grown back, a crown will be placed atop of it, and it will look and function like a real tooth.
So which is better for me, a dental implant or a dental bridge? Well, again, everybody is different, so if depending on your circumstances, it may be your dentist who makes the call. If you are given a choice, however, make sure to go with whichever works best for you.
Dental implants are great because they are easier to maintain, they act just as a normal tooth would. You can floss it normally, without using any special tools designed for bridges. An implant can last as long as a normal tooth, if taken care for properly. There are lower risks associated with dental implants also, which come with dental bridges.
A bridge may be a better option for those who have health issues such as diabetes, heart conditions, or other problems. If neighboring teeth need crowns anyway, it may also be the right choice. Dental bridges are often cheaper and less time consuming than an implant. Unfortunately, if you have any problems like decay, in neighboring teeth, you may have to replace the entire bridge.