A missing tooth can affect both your appearance and daily life. That is why many people feel less confident when they lose a tooth. If you do not replace a missing tooth at the right time, it may further lead to other dental problems like shifting of other teeth or even bone loss. However, these days the modern dentistry provides many dental solutions for the replacement of missing teeth. The two most popular solutions for their replacement are dental implants and dental bridges.
If you are wondering which can suit your needs better, then it is very important for you to understand the difference between them in detail. In this blog, we will discuss what dental implants and bridges are, how they work, when they are recommended and why one may be a better choice depending on your personal condition.
What Are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?
A dental implant is basically an artificial root that is placed into the jawbone of the patient to hold a replacement tooth in position. The dentists usually use the titanium for implants. That is because the material is biocompatible and fuses naturally with the human bones. A crown is attached on top that looks almost like a natural tooth after the implant is fixed in the bone. This process of the dental implants requires careful planning, proper gum health and sufficient bone support in the jaw. That is because the implant becomes a part of the bone. Also, it feels strong, steady and natural for many years if proper care is maintained.
What Are Dental Bridges and When Are They Suggested?
A dental bridge is basically a false tooth that is supported by the natural teeth of the patient on both sides of the gap. In this treatment, the two healthy teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth are trimmed slightly so that they can act as the pillars for the false tooth or bridge. The dentist does your oral examination first, then places a bridge with an artificial tooth in between the crowns over the supporting teeth.
Situations When Bridges Are Recommended:
- When a patient fears the surgery and wants to avoid it.
- When the jawbone of the patient is not strong enough to support an implant.
- When a quick replacement is needed for functional or personal reasons.
Why Do Patients Consider Dental Implants Over Bridges?
Many people consider dental implants over the dental bridges because of their durability. That is because the implants fuse with the bones and provide a permanent solution as a replacement for a missing tooth that often lasts a lifetime if maintained properly. Also, the dental implants do not disturb the natural teeth next to the missing tooth. That means there will be no trimming or weakening of the healthy teeth. The implants also provide excellent chewing strength which makes them almost equal to a natural tooth in terms of function.
How Do Bridges Benefit Patients in Certain Cases?
There is no doubt that the dental implants are strong but dental bridges also provide important benefits to patients. Let’s discuss what benefits they can provide to the patients and when.
- A dental bridge can usually be placed much faster than an implant, as there is no need for surgery at all.
- The dental bridges are a cost-effective solution which makes them more affordable for patients who do not wish to spend more at once.
- They are safe for people who cannot undergo the surgery due to health conditions or personal interests.
When Should You Choose Implants and When Bridges?
The decision between implants and bridges mainly depends on your oral health, budget and personal preference. The dental implants are usually recommended when a person has strong bone density, healthy gums and can wait for proper healing time. The dental bridges are suggested when bone support is weak or when the patient prefers a quicker procedure.
The dentists also consider the age, lifestyle and medical history of the patient before recommending one option. It is always better to get a professional consultation so that you can receive the right treatment that fits your situation best. If you are living in Rohini Sector 24 or nearby areas such as Rohini Sector 23 and Rohini Sector 25, you can visit Sai Dental Clinic for a personalised consultation.
How Do Cost and Maintenance Compare Between Implants and Bridges?
Well, both the treatment comes with different costs and maintenance requirements. We will discuss about each one below.
Cost and Care of Dental Implants
- They are expensive compared to the dental bridges because of the surgery and advanced materials required for them.
- They usually last for decades which makes them a good long-term investment.
- Their maintenance is quite similar to the maintenance of natural teeth like brushing, flossing etc.
Cost and Care of Dental Bridges
- They are more affordable than the implants because they don’t require any advanced materials or surgery.
- The patient may need replacement after ten or fifteen years which adds to their expense.
- The maintenance of bridges is complex as they require special cleaning to protect the false teeth from infections and gum diseases.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Both Options?
Now, we will discuss the pros and cons of both the dental treatments in simple terms.
Pros of Dental Implants
- They can stay put for decades without any need for replacements.
- They look and feel quite similar to the natural teeth because of the titanium material.
Cons of Dental Implants
- They are expensive because of the involvement of surgery and advanced materials.
- The patients usually require a long time to heal from the overall process of dental implants.
Pros of Dental Bridges
- The overall process of dental bridges is affordable and faster than that of dental implants.
- They are perfect for people who cannot undergo surgery because of their fear.
Cons of Dental Bridges
- They don’t need trimming of the healthy natural teeth adjacent to the missing one.
- They have a short life span and may feel less natural in the mouth.
Why Is Professional Guidance Important Before Choosing?
The mouth of every patient is different which is why a professional consultation is extremely important before making a final choice. That is because the dentists can check the health of your gums, measure your bone density and study your overall condition before recommending whether implants or bridges will be better for you. Choosing a treatment only on the basis of cost or speed may lead to future dental problems. Without a proper oral examination. You should visit an experienced clinic to ensure that the option you select will suit you perfectly. At Sai Dental Clinic in Rohini Sector 24, we provide dependable dental care for the patients in Rohini Sector 24 and nearby areas like Rohini Sector 23 and Rohini Sector 25.
Final Thoughts
We have discussed that both the option has their own pros and cons. The patients can visit their local dentist for an oral examination and guidance regarding which treatment they should opt. The dental implants provide durability, strength and a very natural feel. On the other hand, the dental bridges give quicker results with lower initial costs. The right choice always depends on your health, comfort and financial planning. However, it is always better to take guidance from a trusted dental professional whenever you feel unsure.
At Sai Dental Clinic in Rohini Sector 24, we provide complete guidance to help you decide which tooth replacement option will work best for you after conducting an oral examination. We are known for providing modern facilities and personalised care for every patient. You can trust us to restore your lost tooth and smile safely and effectively whether you are living in Rohini Sector 24 or nearby places like Rohini Sector 23 and Rohini Sector 25.