Tooth replacements have come a long way in the last 20-30 years. Losing teeth leaves a significant impact on the appearance of one’s smile while creating functionality issues. To resolve this dental problem, professionals generally recommend the two best solutions, i.e., dental implants and dental bridges. While both the dental treatments approach the same challenges, have the same functionality but slightly different in one way or the other. So, here’s what you need to know about tooth implant vs bridge before getting any of the treatment.
Do not miss reading it…
What Are Dental Implants?
The underlying structure of a tooth is quite complicated than people could ever imagine. When the structure is pulled out including nerves, bones and ligaments, the adjacent area begins deteriorating. This is where dental implants prove to be of great help. They replace the structure with a metal post made up of titanium. Over a couple of months, the bone starts growing around the implant metal and then a crown is placed on the top.
Types of Dental Implants
- Endosteal Implants - These implants are directly fixed into the jawbone during surgery. Once the gum tissue is healed, a second surgery is required to connect the post to the first implant.
- Subperiosteal Implants - In this type of implants a metal frame is fitted into the jawbone right below the gum tissue. Once the gums get healed, the artificial tooth is attached to the post.
Advantage of Dental Implants
One of the major benefits of getting dental implants is that they place less burden on the adjacent teeth and promote better healing of the bone and its surrounding structure under the teeth. Undoubtedly, the procedure is quite long but it is one of the secure options to help you get back to your regular eating routine without feeling any discomfort.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a treatment done to attach the remaining healthy teeth to fill the gap & create a bridge across the area. Overall, the two teeth on an opposite side of a gap are shaved down to accommodate a bridge. Later on, a cap is placed over every tooth and is further accompanied by the bridge replacing the missing teeth. As a semi-permanent solution, dental bridges are a quick way to create a fuller smile appearance.
Types of Dental Bridge
- Traditional Bridge - This is the most common bridge made up of porcelain or ceramics fused to metal. This bridge is created for teeth or the pontic lies in between.
- Cantilever Bridge - This type of bridge is only recommended where adjacent teeth are found, i.e., only on one side of the gap of missing teeth.
Advantage of Dental Bridge
The biggest advantage of getting a dental bridge is that it is the most cost-effective method to replace the missing tooth. Another added advantage is that the procedure does not require bone grafting and takes less time than that of dental implants.
So, this is the basic difference between dental implants and dental bridges that every patient should know before getting treatment. Although both treatment are best in some way or the other, only your dentist can tell you the best possible treatment after examining your situation. Sometimes, the missing gap can also be filled with dental braces as they align all the teeth and can fill that gap in between. So, it is better to consult your dentist regarding the same and he/she will suggest the best solution to your dental problem.
Comments