After tooth extraction or tooth loss, the neighboring teeth start to tilt towards the space created, and the adjacent tooth in the opposing arch also begins to super erupt due to the lack of resistance.
Model showing dental implant
Therefore, it is important to find a solution to replace the missing tooth to avoid such problems.
When considering options for replacing missing teeth, there are two popular restorations to choose from: dental implants and dental bridges; But the question remains, which one is the better option for you?
How they work
Dental Implant:
A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root, typically made from safe materials like titanium; It is anchored in the place of a missing tooth, A temporary protective cover screw is placed on the implant while it fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
This process can take up to six months to complete but results in an incredibly stable and durable prosthetic that resembles a natural tooth root.
After osseointegration, the protective cover is replaced with a temporary crown, allowing the gum to grow and shape itself naturally around it; Finally, the implant process is completed by replacing the temporary crown with a permanent one.
dental bridge:
A dental bridge is a less aggressive and invasive option compared to a dental implant, as it does not replace the tooth root; Instead, a bridge relies on one or more surrounding teeth for retention and support, The missing tooth space is filled by attaching crowns to the neighboring teeth.
Unlike the implant process, which requires osseointegration, the treatment process for a dental bridge is not as lengthy.
in the preparation for a dental bridge, the neighboring teeth need to be reduced, causing permanent alterations; This makes the bridge process more aggressive compared to the implant process, which requires no preparation on the neighboring teeth.
Additionally, the restoration must be anchored to one or more adjacent teeth, which need to be filed down to function as support.
Eligibility Requirements:
Both dental implants and dental bridges have specific eligibility requirements that must be met to qualify as a candidate, Eligibility is determined during an initial examination and history taking.
For dental implant, it is typically performed after adolescence when bone growth is complete; X-rays or CT scans are used to evaluate bone density and quality, determining whether a potential implant patient has enough bone structure for successful implant. Smokers may need to quit smoking to qualify, as there is a higher rate of implant failure among smokers.
Individuals with periodontal disease, cancer, or diabetes may require additional treatments to be eligible for implant.
Dental bridge candidacy is generally less restrictive than dental implant candidacy, as the bridge procedure is relatively less invasive; The primary factor in determining bridge candidacy is the health and stability of the supporting teeth; Individuals with periodontal disease, tooth decay, or chips and cracks may need additional treatments to strengthen the teeth before supporting a dental bridge.
The Cost of Implants vs Bridges:
Cost often plays a significant role in selecting a treatment option; In the case of dental implants vs dental bridges, implants are generally more expensive, ranging from $1100 to $3000 per implant; On the other hand, dental bridges cost between $600 and $1500.
It is important to note that these costs do not include any additional treatments or therapies that may be required beforehand.
Durability of Implants and Bridges:
With proper care and following instructions, an implant can last 40 years or longer; A dental bridge, on the other hand, will likely last between 10 and 20 years before it needs to be replaced.
