Taking care of your teeth is one of the most essential parts of maintaining good oral health. One challenge many people face is tooth loss. When it comes to tooth loss, two dental procedures can be done to fix the problem: implants and bridges. But deciding between an implant vs a bridge can be challenging. Read on to help you understand the difference between both options!
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a device that can replace one or multiple missing teeth. This type of tooth replacement involves attaching a device to the remaining teeth surrounding a gap to create a bridge. There are a few different types of bridges available to you:
- Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type of bridge available. A traditional bridge involves shaving down the two teeth beside the gap and placing caps on them to support the bridge filling it. These bridges are ideal for patients with both teeth intact on each side of the gap.
- Cantilever Bridges: These bridges can help in cases where there is only one tooth for the bridge to attach to. However, they are less common because they can only be placed in areas of the mouth that can handle more force.
- Maryland Bonded Bridges: A Maryland bonded bridge includes bonding metal “wings” to the back of the adjacent teeth. Because of this, there is no need to drill any of the teeth down. Maryland bonded bridges are also popular for replacing front teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are synthetic substitutes built to look and function like natural tooth roots. They have three parts—a titanium, zirconia, or ceramic post, an abutment, and a restoration. Implants are placed directly into the tooth gap.
When an implant is placed, new bone starts to grow around it. When that happens, your dentist will place a crown over the implant to seal it permanently. Implants remain a popular choice for many because, with proper maintenance, they can last a lifetime.
At Dakota Dental, we offer the following dental implant services:
Is it Better to Get a Bridge or an Implant?
When it comes to weighing dental bridge vs implant and which option is best for you, there are some things that you should consider
- Cost: How much are you willing and able to spend? Implants tend to be more expensive than bridges but also last longer, so they may be worth the price for some people. We can also discuss our dental financing options with you.
- Healing Process: On average, implants can take up to eight months to fully heal, while bridges usually heal in about two weeks. You can learn more about the implant healing process here!
- Situation: Consider the current state of your teeth and jaw. Every situation is unique, so what might work for someone else may not work for you.
While all of these considerations are important when determining whether to get a bridge or an implant, the most important thing is consulting with a trusted dentist about what procedure is best for you and your teeth! When you visit our Apple Valley clinic, we’ll examine what’s going on and give you our professional recommendation.
Stay Informed With Dakota Dental
When it comes to your dental health, being informed and knowledgeable can help you stay happy and healthy now and in the future. Whether you need a bridge or a dental implant, visit Dakota Dental’s Apple Valley clinic to get the job done safely and effectively.
If you’re ready to fill your tooth gap, reach out and schedule an appointment with one of our trusted dentists today!