The two most recommended treatment options to address tooth deficits are implants and bridges, which are entirely different. In addition to technological advancements in dentistry, dental implants and bridges are long-lasting treatment options when selected carefully. Patients who are lacking teeth are unsure about which of these two options to select.
Which should I choose, Implant or Bridge?
Dentists' guidance on which treatment is most appropriate and useful is crucial when it comes to oral and dental health. Each treatment has benefits and drawbacks. It would therefore be advisable to base your final decision on the advice of our knowledgeable dentists while working within the parameters of the data presented in this article.
What Benefits and Drawbacks Come with Dental Implants?
Dental crowns are secured to titanium screws that are inserted in lieu of the tooth root during dental implant procedure. With implant treatment, missing teeth can be permanently replaced with natural-looking teeth that last a lifetime. But there are also certain disadvantages.
Advantages of dental implant treatments:
- Because the implant is embedded in the mandible, the implant tooth has characteristics with a natural tooth's root.
- You can have beautiful teeth that look natural because veneers made of zirconium, porcelain, or emax and empress can be placed on implants.
- The implant procedure does not in any way affect the other teeth because it is solely applied to the gums and jawbone in the area where the missing tooth is located.
- The implant tooth keeps the jaw bone from eroding since it acts as a tooth root. If not, both healthy teeth and the amount of the jaw bone gradually disappear.
- Because implant teeth are constructed of materials that are incredibly durable, they can be used for a long time.
- The chewing quality of an implant tooth is enhanced by the fact that it is directly supported by the jawbone.
Disadvantages of dental implant treatments:
- The cost of dental implants is more than that of bridges.
- The healing process and treatment completion take longer.
- Implant treatment involves surgery.
- For patients whose jaw bone volume is inadequate, bone grafting becomes required.
What is Dental Bridge Treatment? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
The process of replacing a lost tooth with a prosthesis supported by nearby teeth is known as a bridge procedure. Bridge dentures rely on healthy teeth to sustain them while they execute the chewing function. Another long-term remedy for lost teeth is the bridge technique. Bridge therapy has the following benefits and drawbacks:
Advantages of dental bridge treatments:
- No surgery is done because the gum tissues are not addressed.
- The length of recovery and treatment is reduced.
- Patients who lack sufficient jawbone for implant teeth may benefit from bridge treatment.
- The expense of bridge is more reasonable.
Disadvantages of dental bridge treatments:
- It is necessary to file down the teeth that are next to the lost tooth. Consequently, abrasion is applied to the neighbouring healthy teeth in preparation for bridge therapy.
- The replacement tooth, which is a prosthesis, lacks a root system.
- Because the missing tooth in bridge treatments has no link to the jawbone, a gradual reduction in jawbone density may occur.
- The prosthetic tooth is supported by neighbouring teeth.
- Tooth bridges last less time.
Comparison of Implant and Bridge Treatments
- Implant treatment is more expensive.
- Treatment for implants takes longer than for bridges.
- While bridge treatment is available to all patients, the volume of the jawbone is crucial for the implant.
- Compared to a bridge, an implant tooth has far better chewing quality.
- Compared to bridge treatment, the implant has a longer useful life.
- Adjacent teeth are not abraded when placing implants; nevertheless, this is done when placing bridges.
- All on four and all on six implant procedures can be used in cases of numerous missing teeth, but bridge treatments cannot be used.
In conclusion;
After assessing the patient and recommending the best course of action, dentists provide the required clarifications regarding treatment procedures. Taking into consideration the patient's advise from the dentist as well as the expense, he/she chooses the course of treatment.
If you have any questions you do not find here, please contact us.