Do you know? In the USA, 69% of adults lose their teeth at least once. And a quarter of Americans lose all their teeth by 74 age…
This indicates that tooth loss is a very common problem.
When a tooth is lost, different changes start to occur in our mouth. They could be detrimental to our oral health. It can also cause bite problems, difficulty in chewing, and speech problems.
Modern science has come up with two permanent solutions for this problem.
The dental implant is the closest to your natural tooth. It consists of a metal root and a dental crown fixed in the root. The root is made from titanium. It replaces one missing tooth at a time.
Whereas, dental bridges are prosthetic teeth, fixed with the support of adjacent teeth. They are made from porcelain. It can be used to replace several missing teeth.
Dental implant vs dental bridge:
The motive behind both treatments is to provide the missing teeth. Each of which has its own pros and cons. So, let’s compare each of them to analyze which one is better and when.
Also, we will be keeping aside the pros which are long-term solutions, natural tooth alike structures.
Pros of dental bridges:
Non-invasive treatment: There is no need for bone grafting in this treatment, making it a non-invasive treatment.
Insurance cover: Your insurance company might be able to cover the expenses of this treatment.
Cheaper solution: The cost of a dental bridge is lower than the overall cost of dental implants.
Quick treatment: Your dentist might take 1-2 to dental visits in a span of two weeks to complete the treatment.
Cons of dental bridges:
Gets dull with time: As the dental bridge starts to age the dialysis starts to show up therefore the natural-looking appearance goes away…
Damage healthy teeth: Despite being a non-invasive treatment, dental bridge requires the filing of teeth in order to fix the bridge, therefore, it damages the healthy adjacent tooth.
Pros of dental implant:
Last longer: A regular dental implant can last up to 15 years.
Visually aesthetic: Dental implants retain their natural look for a longer time than a bridge.
Not damaging: Unlike dental bridges, dental implants do not need any support from adjacent teeth. Therefore, they are considered to be a harmless solution.
Cons of dental implants:
No insurance cover: They are considered to be cosmetic treatment as well, reducing the chances of getting them covered under your insurance.
Expensive: They are one of the most expensive treatments in restorative dentistry.
Invasive: Bone grafting surgery is required to perform a dental implant treatment.
So, what should we choose then?
Both treatments are considered great solutions for missing teeth.
If you are suffering from diabetes or periodontal disease, you are an apt candidate for dental bridges.
But, if you are looking for a solution that is genuinely good for your oral health, you must seek dental implant treatment.
Furthermore, you can contact your dentist in Chula Vista to find what treatment is best for you.