Implants vs Bridges

Unfortunately sometimes a tooth needs to be pulled for various reasons. Two of the best options to replace a missing tooth are implants and bridges.  Each has some pros and cons.  This cool image breaks down some of it easily.

In our office a bridge costs about the same as an implant, so price is not an issue. This is good because it allows us to better decide on which is the best treatment option for the situation.  Most of the time we will recommend an implant because it's the better option, but there are times when we will recommend a bridge.  Here are a few examples: severely medically compromised individuals (i.e. uncontrolled diabetes, history of bisphosphonates, etc.), severe bone loss where there is no longer sufficient bone for an implant, or for esthetic reasons. In these situations it is better in the patients interest to forego the implant and pursue a bridge.

The majority of the time though implants are the better option because they are easier to clean and maintain. Bridges are very difficult to keep clean as you need to thread the floss underneath the bridge which can be cumbersome and time consuming.  Implants are less invasive on the other teeth. Bridges require grinding down one tooth in front and one tooth behind the missing tooth, and we try to avoid grinding down good teeth, whereas implants don't need to bother or change the teeth next to them.  Implants last must longer than a bridge. Bridges tend to last a mere 10 years. If the bridge is resting on a tooth that has had a root canal, that time frame goes down even more.  Implants on the other hand can last a lifetime if you keep them clean.  Also, implants help to preserve the bone. Jaw bone is funny and unlike any other bone in the body. It thinks its only purpose is to support teeth. When the teeth are gone, the bone resorbs and shrinks in size. This can affect how you look. Implants are bone stabilizers. When an implant is placed, it preserves the jaw bone.

Implants can look incredibly life like. Esthetically they are difficult to distinguish from your natural teeth. Technological advancements have really improved the look, feel and durability of implants.

So if you are missing teeth, feel free to ask us which option would best benefit you to replace the missing teeth. Contact us for more info or visit our website to learn more about your options.