Dental bridges and dental implants near you are two commonly utilized dental procedures to restore missing teeth. Both methods have distinct advantages, making choosing which is best for you a little difficult. But we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will elaborate and evaluate dental bridges and implants so that you can decide which treatment is best for you.
Dental Bridges: Types, Pros and Cons
Dental bridges in Devon are restorations used to replace all or some lost teeth. Bridges comprise one or more prosthetic teeth known as pontics, which are anchored firmly in position by dental crowns on neighboring teeth.
The four prominent types of dental bridges are listed below:
- Fixed or Traditional Bridge: The most frequent variety is one or more artificial teeth kept in place by dental crowns on surrounding natural teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge: It is supported by a dental crown on only one adjacent natural tooth, similar to a regular bridge.
- Maryland Bridge (Resin-Bonded Bridge): This bridge is a conservative solution that uses metal or porcelain wings connected to the back of adjacent natural teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: These bridges are surgically inserted in the jawbone and are anchored to dental implants, providing exceptional stability and endurance.
Pros
- Dental bridges come at a lower price tag compared to dental implants in general.
- A dental bridge is often less intrusive and time-consuming than a dental implant.
- Bridges, unlike dental implants, do not require surgery.
Cons
- Dental bridges typically last a shorter time than dental implants.
- Preparing the neighboring teeth for dental crowns might cause damage, rendering them more vulnerable to decay. The horizontal chewing stresses placed on the surrounding teeth that attach the bridge will eventually cause the supporting teeth to loosen and fail.
- Dental bridges fail to stimulate the jawbone, which can result in bone loss in the area where the lost tooth formerly existed over time. It might result in “sunken” patches of the gumline.
Dental Implants: Types, Pros and Cons
Being artificial tooth roots, dental implants support a dental restoration installed into the jawbone. Implants can substitute one or more lost teeth and are a more long-term solution. The two prominent types of dental implants are listed below:
- Endosteal Implants: The most frequent type of dental implant is surgically put directly into the jawbone. They serve as the foundation for single prosthetic teeth, implant-supported bridges, and dentures.
- Subperiosteal Implants: These implants are put beneath the gum tissue but on the jawbone. They are employed when the patient’s bone height is insufficient for endosteal implants.
Pros
- Dental implants have the potential to endure for years with adequate maintenance and care.
- Dental implants strengthen the jawbone, which prevents bone loss as time passes.
- Dental implants do not harm adjacent teeth; unlike dental bridges, dental implants have no dependence on neighboring teeth for stability.
Cons
- Dental implants generally cost more than dental bridges.
- Some patients may be concerned about the surgical aspect of installing a dental implant.
- The process of setting up a dental implant demands months of healing time.
Factors to Consider When Making a Choice
- Budget: Dental bridges are considerably cheaper than dental implants in general.
- Process: Dental bridges are less intrusive than dental implants, which necessitate surgery.
- Longevity: Dental implants are often considered a more long-lasting treatment, whereas dental bridges have a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years.
- Adjacent Teeth Impact: Dental bridges can induce deterioration in your surrounding teeth, but dental implants have no dependence on adjacent teeth for support.
- Impact on Bones: Dental implants do not cause bone loss.
Consultation with a Dental Professional
Perhaps you’ve been taught to feel that repairing your smile is overly complicated or time-consuming. While this may have been accurate in the past, it is no longer how we do things at Devon Dental Associates.
In our first meeting with the patient suffering from any dental hazard, we sit and listen to him or her. After listening to the preferences, budget, and convenience of our patients, our dental wizards suggest whether to opt for dental bridges or implants.
Meet Our Dentist in Devon
Finally, both dental bridges and implants have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the decision should be taken in consultation with a dental specialist, who can examine your needs and offer the best treatment strategy.
While dental bridges may be a less intrusive and less expensive choice for a few patients, dental implants near you provide a more durable and long-term solution. If you are missing one or more teeth, you must seek treatment from a dentist near you to restore your smile and prevent further oral health problems.