Dental professionals apply either of the two most common procedure to solve the dental problems of the patients. In this article, we will discuss the difference between bridge vs. implant.

Dental bridges

It is a procedure that fills in a missing tooth by literally using a bridge of teeth. A dental bridge needs one or more neighboring teeth, which will serve as the support of the bridge. Usually, the dentist has to file down the neighboring teeth so that the bridge will fit in.

Dental bridges do not replace your tooth roots. Instead, it is using one tooth or more as a buttress which will allow a crown to fill in the space from the missing tooth. Nowadays, dentists are using a winged or Maryland bridge. These are embedded into the neighboring teeth.

In cases that only one tooth is available beside the gap, the dentist will install a cantilevered bridge. The dentist will attach the bridge to the available tooth, while the bridge structure is hanging over the space of the missing tooth.

Advantages of dental bridges

1. It is one of the most effective methods to replace a missing tooth.
2. Having a bone loss is not a concern for a dental bridge. There is no need to undergo bone grafting.
3. A dental bridge provides a quicker process when replacing missing teeth.
4. It restores functionality such as chewing and eating normally.
5. The patient will not experience issues while speaking.
6. It offers a long-term structure for the mouth.
7. It reduces the risk of acquiring bone loss from the jaw.
8. The adjustment period is shorter compared to other dental procedures.
9. Maintaining a dental bridge is easier.
10. It also improves self-esteem.

Disadvantages of dental bridges

1. In using a dental bridge, the healthy abutment teeth may become damaged, such as a risk of decay.
2. Seldomly, some abutment teeth have insufficient strength. As a result, it consequently collapses.
3. In relation with number 2, if the abutment teeth collapse, there will be a need for dental implants.
4. It only has a short life-span. It can last for only eight to 15 years before replacement.

Dental Implants

There are underlying structures of a tooth, which includes the bones, ligaments, and the nerves. In case that these structures are out, the area near it will slowly start to deteriorate.

On the positive side, the dentists use dental implants to replace these structures. A dental implant is a metal post made of titanium, wherein over a certain period, a new bone should grow around it. Upon reaching a secured level of the implant, the dentist will screw a crown over the implant to seal it into place.

The dentist can make a dental implant looks like natural enamel. Implants can provide you with a tough foundation. It’s either for permanent or removable teeth that match your natural teeth.

Advantages of dental implants

1. Implants incur a lesser burden to the neighboring teeth.
2. It promotes healing of bone structures and gums underneath your teeth.
3. A high-quality dental implant is durable and can be expected to last a lifetime with good care.
4. It also improves the appearance and let you feel like it’s your own teeth.
5. It does not affect your speech since you will not worry that it will slip out of your mouth.
6. Implants help restore functionality.
7. An implant encourages oral health improvement since nearby teeth are not altered.
8. Additionally, it also improves self-esteem.
9. It is easier to maintain compared to bridges.
10. It protects the remaining teeth from damage and strain.

Disadvantages of dental implants

1. The procedure for a dental implant is not a one-day process only.  It requires a series of appointment before completion.
2. The surgical procedure is quite risky since implants will be surgically attached to the bone. Risks are always present.
3. Implants tend to require a certain volume and density of bone as well as additional bone augmentation.

Bridges vs. implants (in terms of cost)

In every procedure, the cost is always one of the deciding factors of the patients. Both of these procedures can be high-end, costly treatments. Implants become costly if you apply more than a single implant. Usually, dental insurances only cover expenses for bridges but rarely on implants.

On the other hand, the cost of bridges varies according to the type of bridge you choose as well as the number of missing teeth. In average, the cost of traditional bridges is around $2000 up to $5000.

Given these points, you will probably choose the option at a lower cost.

Bottom line!

The most important thing you should do is to ensure that you will receive the right treatment for your missing tooth.

The post Bridge vs. Implant: How Are They Different From Each Other? appeared first on AHCIPA.

Dental bridge procedure

Dental bridge procedure uses false teeth in replacement for the missing teeth. These bridges are usually made of porcelain or metal or can be a combination of the two materials. The dentist will attach the bridge to the original teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth, respectively. They use the dental bridge procedure to restore not only the missing teeth but also its function and appearance.

In this procedure, the patient may undergo a series of dental appointments to complete the whole procedure. The patient has to give time for this to push through continuously.

How does dental bridge procedure take place?

The dentists always do the initial step of every procedure, which is assessment. They have to check the exact need of the patient and confirm if dental bridges are the best option for their concern. They can also consider other types of dental procedures, such as dental crowns and dental implants, after the assessment. In the same way, the dentist has to do x-rays from the jaw of the patient to understand their condition completely. This will help them decide on the best option based on the needs of the patient.

Furthermore, to use the dental bridge procedure, the patient should have healthy teeth on either side of the gap. They call this as the abutment teeth. In this case, they will reshape the abutment teeth into the appropriate shape that will match the bridges to be placed. For some cases, the dentist uses a dental implant to anchor the bridges. This is on the condition that the original teeth are not strong enough to support the bridge.

Sometimes, dentists initially place a temporary bridge to serve as protection to the reshaped teeth. They will then remove the temporary bridge once the permanent bridge is already available. Upon placement of the permanent dental bridge, they will put local anesthesia accordingly. This is to ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure.

The dentist will ensure that the underlying teeth are clean. Of course, they will do the cleaning if necessary to avoid issues in the placement of the dental bridge.

What to do after the procedure is completed?

The dentist will provide aftercare instructions that the patient should follow. The patient should properly do the aftercare to avoid infection that might affect the healing process, as well as affect the functionality of the bridge.

Generally speaking, the patient may also experience pain as the anesthesia depletes its effect. Discomforts or swelling or possibly, bleeding are a few of the after-effects of dental bridge procedure. However, the dentist will always recommend a remedy or prescribe a medicine to take for these after-effects.

The patient should care for the dental bridge as if it was the natural teeth. It does replace not only the missing tooth but also the functionality. So, the dental care for the bridge has to be the same as the natural teeth. It will also prevent the patient from spending additional costs and have the bridges fixed again.

Benefits and risks of dental bridges

Aside from offering functional and facial structure restoration due to a missing tooth, dental bridges also reduce the risk of bone loss from the jaw and its movement. Dental bridges are hardly noticeable since it turns out to become part of the mouth structure.

On the other hand, the maintenance of bridges is easier compared to the other alternatives. The patient can quickly adjust to the new feeling caused by the bridges. On the positive side, there will be no changes in terms of brushing. There is no need to remove the bridge while doing this.

On the contrary, dental bridges have risks too. If the abutment teeth become damaged, the dental bridge will possibly collapse as well.  On the condition that this happened, the patient should immediately go to the dentist and have it treated.

If this is neglected, the condition may worsen and might lead to other dental diseases. These dental diseases may also affect the overall health of the patient. The dentist should clearly discuss the benefits and risks before finalizing a decision. Whichever the option may be, the patient must clearly understand all the details of the procedure.

Thank you, tooth fairies!

Thanks to our dentists, the loss of the teeth will no longer be a concern. The dentists are always there to be in rescue. They have plenty of procedures to use that will restore our teeth to its usual appearance and function. All things considered, daily home dental care and a regular visit to your tooth fairy are necessary to maintain good oral health.

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