Dental Bridges vs Dental Implants
There are two primary types of tooth replacement methods – dental implants and dental bridges. These methods are used in the event of tooth extraction or tooth loss.
For those getting confused between dental implants Kelowna and dental bridges, this post is for them. Go through the details to understand the difference between the two.
What Is A Dental Implant?
If you are missing a tooth due to injury, periodontal disease, decay, or any other reasons, getting a dental implant is a good idea.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post which acts as a tooth root and supports a crown. The process begins with the surgical insertion of the metal post into the jawbone. In 3-6 months, the post fuses into the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration.
Once the fusion is complete, the post frame is attached to an abutment and placed right above the gum line. It serves as the foundation for attaching the dental crown which is done by screwing or cementing it into place.
Pros
Dental implants look and function like natural teeth.
Dental implants preserve and stimulate natural bone growth. It prevents bone loss and contributes to a longer-lasting solution.
Dental implants stand independently. The chewing and biting forces on the implant stimulate the surrounding bone, and thus, prevent bone shrinkage.
High-quality dental implants last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
Cons
Dental implants involve a surgical procedure for placing the implant into the bone.
The osseointegration process, where the implant fully integrates into the jawbone takes around 3 months.
In short, dental implants offer a durable and natural solution for tooth loss. It offers benefits that outweigh the drawbacks for many individuals seeking a long-term dental solution.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are used for bridging the gap between multiple missing teeth. Implants and natural teeth on either side of the gap support bridges. It is composed of multiple crowns for the teeth flanking the void. The anchoring teeth are the abutment teeth, and the false teeth lying in between are pontics.
Pros
Dental bridges offer a swift process that takes a week or two to complete.
Bridges do not involve surgical intervention which makes the process simpler.
Dental bridges are an optimal solution for individuals with certain health concerns, such as drug abuse, myocardial infarction, bleeding issues, heart valve surgery, cancer treatment, arthritis, or osteoporosis.
This is a great solution for people suffering from substantial bone loss in the area of the missing tooth.
Cons
Dental bridges may not match the natural appearance of implants, which results in a less aesthetically pleasing solution.
If the supporting teeth adjacent to the bridge undergo fractures or decay, root canal treatment is needed.
The preparation of teeth for a bridge may result in the loss of a considerable amount of tooth structure in healthy teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
Dental bridges require more maintenance compared to dental implants.
Dental implants and dental bridges both have their fair share of pros and cons. It is better to consult a dentist when choosing the right treatment for your teeth. The optimal choice depends on aligning these solutions with the unique requirements of each individual.
