Is it Better to do a Bridge or a Dental Implant?

by Gary Adams DDS

bridge vs dental implant

palatal expander dentistDental implants are a more conservative and superior option to bridges in general. Replacing teeth by bridging them or connecting them will cause further tooth loss in the future. Implants replace teeth with new teeth and they typically last a lifetime.” Dr Gary Adams has successfully done over 4000 implants with cases including implants replacing full upper and lower teeth and implant bridges and single implants.

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What are the Pros and Cons of doing Implants vs Bridges?

  1. teeth bridge or dental implantImplants do not attach or leverage or connect to other teeth
  2. reduce bone loss
  3. can be easily cleaned with floss like natural teeth
  4. feel similar to natural teeth; and not thick and bulky. 
  5. prevents gum disease. No foul smells from food and bacteria trapping
  6. prevents teeth shifting and a bad bite
  7. restores proper chewing function and bite balance
  8. teeth implants are not susceptible to gum disease like natural teeth
  9. dental implants do not decay or ever need root canals
  10. dental implants rarely crack or break
  11. do not require drilling usually
  12. Implants cost the same or less than bridges

Are Bridges better than Implants?

  1. two or more teeth need to be prepared or drilled to support a bridged span of teeth. 
  2. loss of bone may occur because a tooth has been removed and a root has lost and not put back into the gum to stimulate the bone
  3. bridged teeth are connected and more difficult to clean because teeth are connected. Flossing cannot be done.
  4. greater chance for cavities and periodontal disease
  5. prevents teeth from moving
  6.  Teeth involved in a bridge can fracture due to more force placed on fewer teeth. Teeth are being leveraged to replace missing teeth.
  7. Teeth in bridges are at increased risk for needing root canal therapy
  8. Teeth need to be drilled / prepared that may not not need crowns
  9. bridges usually do not last as long as dental implants
  10. If one of the teeth involved in the bridge is lost, now two need to be replaced, bone grafting will likely need to be done and the crown on the lone surviving bridge tooth will need a new crown.most patients will eventually lose one or more of the teeth involved in the bridge necessitating another bridge and more costly dental treatment. Due to bone loss and the damage caused by bridges, future dental treatment and costs are greater. In fact future costs when a bridge fails can be more than double the costs of the original bridge. For example

For people with metal allergies and sensitivities, zirconia implants made of ceramic are an option. non-metal options are available for all on 4 implants and snap on dentures.

Is it Necessary to Replace a missing tooth?bridge vs implant

  1. Teeth can shift and the bite can go bad. Bite collapse.
  2. Tooth wear and breakage because of imbalanced and uneven biting forces around the area of the missing tooth or teeth. Bad bites can lead to tooth clenching and grinding. How to stop teeth clenching at night
  3. Bone loss and gum disease especially near where teeth have been lost.
  4. Food trapping in areas where teeth are missing. Gum disease may develop as teeth shift and more spaces open up for food and bacteria to get stuck.

Bridging Teeth Leads to the Loss of More Teeth

research has shown that dental bridges will typically last 5-10 years. Bridges typically fail with the loss of another tooth and the need to bridge even more teeth or get an additional implant. For the loss of a tooth involved in a bridge:

  1. now there will be the need for more teeth to be replaced and a bigger less favorable bridge or 2-3 implants instead of one had an implant been done from the beginning.
  2. Bone grafting will likely be necessary because a tooth has been lost for a long time
  3. crowns will be needed for any teeth surviving a bridge failure
  4. or maybe 3 implants if all teeth in the bridge are lost

Dental Implants in the long run cost less than bridges because a bridge will eventually fall apart, resulting in the need for more dental implants. Bridges usually costs about as much as 3 crowns. One implant costs less than a 3 tooth bridge. Unless there is a reason why someone cannot receive a dental implant, there is no good reason to get a bridge.

Dental Implants now come in metal-free ceramic or zirconia tooth colored forms.

Implant or Bridge video:

The dental implant is the best way to replace teeth. This video shows what happens to a bridge as it eventually fails.  Bridges normally lead to bone and gum loss, poor cosmetic results, tooth decay / caries and more tooth loss.  Research shows that 60% of all dental bridges fail during the first 10 years.  Dr. Adams does implant teeth from start to finish. Teeth can normally be replaced from start to finish in 2-3 months in 2-3 short appointments.

Implants are a better option for tooth replacement than bridges:

Your teeth help in chewing, biting, eating, drinking, talking and smiling. Loss of natural teeth result in loss of all these necessary functions. People hesitate in smiling, are unable to chew or bite food. Lost teeth lead to mal-nutrition and lost confidence at work. Always go for replacement of lost natural teeth with the best available artificial teeth.

Why Do I Lose My Natural Teeth?

Loss of natural teeth usually occurs due to the following reasons:

  1. Tooth decay as a result of irregular brushing & cleaning habits, excessive intake of sugar containing sticky foods, carbonated beverage consumption like Coca Cola, Pepsi, energy drinks etc and neglected oral hygiene,
  2. Dry mouth can cause tooth damage. Drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth as much as you can to prevent tooth loss,
  3. Gum diseases,
  4. Old age,
  5. Excessive cigarette smoking habit,
  6. Never visiting a dentist for professional dental care,
  7. Diseases like Diabetes Mellitus.

What Problems Can You Face If I Didn’t Go For Replacement Of Lost Teeth?

  1. Problems with eating, drinking, speech & basic activities involving teeth,
  2. Shifting and tilting of teeth in empty spaces created by lost teeth,
  3. Over-eruption of opposing teeth causing elongated appearance and eventually loosening and mobility of teeth,
  4. Problems in bite,
  5. Loss of jawbone.

What Are Different Replacement Options For Lost Natural Teeth?

There are different options for replacing your lost natural teeth but the last two are considered better in comparison to all options,

  1. Removable partial dentures,
  2. Cast partial dentures,
  3. Dental bridges,
  4. Dental implants.

Which Option Should I Choose?

People usually go for dental bridges or dental implants when they decide to get fixed artificial teeth. However, we strongly recommend going for dental implants for the replacement of lost natural teeth.

Why Should I Prefer Dental Implants Over Dental Bridges?

Dental implants function better than dental bridges. These are preferable due to the following reasons,

  • dental bridges need cutting of adjacent healthy natural teeth which is not needed for dental implants,
  • dental implants make a natural connection with jaw bones and prevent loss of bone while dental bridges cannot do so,
  • oral health maintenance is way easier in dental implants,
  • dental implants provide feeling of natural teeth,
  • dental implants are life-like feeling owing to transmission of natural sensations
  • dental implants provide psychological comfort,
  • dental implants are lifetime restorations while dental bridges can only last for 5-10 years,
  • dental implants provide better bite, excellent chewing and eating of food,
  • dental implants preserve and stimulate of formation of new socket bone
  • dental implants does not get decayed with time,
  • dental implants are cost-effective as well when compared to dental bridges,
  • loss of a single bridge can result in need for 3 dental implants and it is better to opt for only one dental implant in the start,
  • No danger of damage to neighboring natural teeth as compared to dental bridges.

Can I Get Dental Implants At Any Age?

You can go for dental implants as replacement of lost natural teeth at any age if,

  • You are not suffering from serious systemic diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus, bone diseases or bleeding problems,
  • You have good quality, height and quantity of bone around empty tooth socket, bridge vs implant
  • You have health gums,
  • You have got a well-trained and highly skilled oral surgeon available in your area with vast experience of doing dental implant surgeries.

What Is The Complete Procedure For The Placement Of Implants In My Mouth?

Getting Implants vs Bridges Involves:

  • Complete medical and dental history recording before thorough examination of the empty tooth socket in your mouth,
  • Dental x rays will be taken for ensuring that enough quantity and height of socket bone is present for the implant to strongly connect with it in the coming few months,
  • Dental x rays are also important to check whether any nerve or blood vessel is in its way or not. Implant path needs to be altered in these conditions for your safety, Bridge vs implant

How Much Time Is Needed For The Implant Placement Procedure?

Latest sophisticated equipment has made it possible to place teeth implants in your empty tooth socket within 30-60 minutes. The procedure is not only cost-effective but it also saves your precious time and money.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

You can ensure the high quality functioning of this lifetime restoration by ensuring good oral hygiene conditions through regular tooth brushing and mouth rinsing. Implant vs bridge

You should refrain from smoking cigarettes, chewing on hard objects and do regularly visits to your dental health care provider for follow up cleanings, check ups and consultation.

What Are Guided Dental Implants?

Guided dental implants are recent advancements which involve,

  • Computer guided implant treatment utilizing a comprehensive 3D system for accurate and predictable implant placement within the jaws for achieving the best outcomes. bridge vs implant
  • Based on sophisticated computer software and the use of specialized imaging modalities such as cone beam computed tomography scans for accurate and predictable surgery options.

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