Dental bridges and dental implants are both effective options we can use to replace numerous missing teeth. In today’s post, our Surrey dentists share some insights about dental bridges vs. implants to help you decide which is the best treatment option for you.
If you’re considering your options for replacing several missing side-by-side teeth, a dental bridge or dental implant can help restore your smile’s function and appearance. That said, there are benefits and drawbacks to each of these options.
Dental Bridges - Pros & Cons
A dental bridge is a ‘bridge’ between artificial teeth and adjacent teeth (or dental implants) on either side of a gap. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, a dental bridge can be a great option.
If you’ve experienced deterioration in your jawbones and gums since the loss of your natural teeth, a dental bridge can be a less invasive tooth replacement option.
Pros
- Having a dental bridge placed is faster and less invasive than having a dental implant placed.
- No additional gum or bone grafting surgeries will be needed for a dental bridge to be placed, even for patients who have experienced jawbone deterioration.
Cons
- A dental bridge tends to be less durable than dental implants. You can expect a dental bridge to last between 5 to 15 years if cared for appropriately.
- Teeth adjacent to a bridge may be more vulnerable to tooth decay as a large proportion of the enamel must be removed on supporting teeth to prepare them for the bridge.
Dental Implants - Pros & Cons
Replacing one or multiple missing teeth? Dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution. A tiny titanium rod is permanently implanted into the jawbone, where the roots of your natural tooth once were.
Once your dental implant has been surgically placed and given enough time to heal, we colour match a crown, bridge or denture to your natural teeth, and use it to top the implant so it blends in perfectly.
Pros
- When cared for appropriately, dental implants can last for 25 years or more.
- Dental implants function similar to real teeth and naturally complement your smile.
Cons
- The dental implant process can be long - it can take weeks or even months to complete.
- In some cases, a bone graft will be needed to strengthen a patient’s jawbone before dental implants can be placed.