There are two options available to you if you have lost a tooth - either you can choose a dental implant or dental bridge. Replacing a lost tooth prevents other teeth from moving from their original position, which may cause orthodontic issues later if not treated in a timely manner and enables you to eat and speak naturally and efficiently.
Dental Implants
This procedure serves the basis for a new artificial replacement tooth. This implant is inserted into the jawbone. With the growth of bone, it blends with the titanium post to consolidate it.
A temporary crown is placed on the implant, while it heals and blends; this healing may take six weeks to 40 weeks, which differs from individual to individual and the placement of the implant. Once it is healed, a permanent crown is created and placed on the implant. In the case of more than one missing teeth, dentures or a bridge can be affixed to one or multiple implants. Know the complete procedure and benefits of Dental Implants.
Bridges
Bridges are comprised of two crowns that are placed on the two teeth that are adjacent to the gap. The two teeth, to which the bridge is anchored, are termed the abutment teeth. The false tooth or teeth that are between the abutment teeth are termed pontics. Therefore, dental bridges receive their support from implants or healthy teeth.
Traditional Bridges
With traditional bridges a crown is created for the implant or tooth that is adjacent to the area of the missing tooth or teeth, and a pontic fills in the remaining space. This is the type of bridge used most often and it is constructed of ceramics or metal with porcelain fused to it.
Cantilever Bridges
When there is only one tooth, rather than two, adjacent to the missing tooth, dentists use cantilever bridges.
Resin-bonded Bridges
This type of bridge is constructed from plastic gums and teeth and uses a metal framework for support. Metal wings on opposite sides of the bridge are bonded to the adjacent existing teeth.
Dental Implant Vis-à-vis Bridges
Dental implants are often not noticeable to onlookers and they offer a more natural feel and look. They also offer more effective and efficient chewing in comparison to bridges, which may slip. A traditional bridge requires sound teeth on either side of the location of the missing teeth, whereas this is not the case in dental implants. The teeth to which a bridge are fixed are permanently altered in the process of crowning. With dental implants, adjacent teeth remain unaltered. If a tooth, to which a bridge is fixed, develops any problem, the entire bridge will be compromised. However, dental implants are normally more expensive than bridges.
Life Span
The life span of a dental bridge is normally up to 15 years and sometimes longer if proper oral hygiene is maintained. Dental implants will often last for the life of the patient, however their crowns may need to be replaced if there is excessive wear. In either case, adequate oral hygiene goes a long way toward ensuring a long life for any restorative dental work.
Interesting Points Regarding Dental Implants
A dental implant, which is embedded in the jaw bone, can actually serve to stimulate the jaw bone during the chewing process. This stimulation inhibits the process of osteoporosis in this portion of the jaw bone, and can actually lead to the growth of the bone. People without adequate jaw bone density, due to osteoporosis, are not good candidates for dental implants. There is ongoing medical research to examine the possibility of bone grafting to make dental implants possible in this population.
Dental implants and crowns are two dental procedures that are used to occupy the space that is vacated by missing teeth. In most cases, an implant will be superior to a bridge in eligible candidates. For people that are not candidates for implants, dental bridges may be a viable alternative. However, implants are generally more expensive than bridges.
If adopted as a cosmetic dental procedure to enhance the appearance of your smile, dental implant definitely wins over dental bridge due to its ability to provide natural look which can’t be noticed easily and functionality delivered after the procedure considering that patient has healthy bones to apply implant successfully.
