If you’re missing a tooth and want to replace it, talk to your dentist for an expert opinion on your options. As you prepare for this conversation and research your options, you’ll probably read about dental implants and dental bridges, two of the more common choices for dental prosthetics. It’s important to understand the differences between these two types of dental restorations, as each comes with its own pros and cons, and it can be helpful to have some background information about your options for replacing missing teeth. Each person’s choices may differ, dependent on their oral health, budget, personal preferences, and other factors, and your dentist can help you weigh your options and determine which is the best solution for you.
If you’re missing a tooth between two healthy, strong teeth, your dentist might recommend a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a device made of a prosthetic tooth that is suspended between two dental crowns. Each crown is cemented over the tooth on either side of the missing tooth; these crowns support the prosthetic tooth, which rests in between the crowns and restores the row of teeth. The prosthetic tooth and crowns are made of porcelain that is blended to match the natural teeth, creating a cohesive, natural appearance. While dental bridges are made of natural-looking material, they can still be noticeable and may be recommended for the less-visible areas of the mouth.
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone, where it supports an artificial tooth. Dental implant restorations are highly realistic and natural-looking, restoring the appearance and function of the teeth to normalcy. Because the implant post stimulates the surrounding bone, much like a natural tooth root would, dental implants also help maintain the health and integrity of the jawbone. In the absence of a root or implant, the bone in the jaw is gradually reabsorbed into the body, creating a sunken jaw and prematurely aging appearance; when an implant replaces a tooth root, the bone retains its structure and continuous bone health is encouraged. Dental implants are the most natural-looking dental restoration available, so if your missing tooth is in a highly visible area of your mouth, your dentist may take this into consideration when recommending a dental implant.
While dental bridges are more noticeable than dental implants, they are also less expensive – often considerably so. If additional treatments like bone grafts are required before dental implants can be safely placed, these treatments add to the cost of implants and may make the treatment daunting; in many cases, however, the long-term costs of dental implants are outweighed by their convenience, comfort, appearance, and longevity. On the other hand, the dental implant can take as long as a year when all auxiliary procedures and healing times are taken into consideration, while it may be possible to have a bridge fitted and placed in two brief visits within a few weeks of each other. Clearly, there are several factors to take into consideration when deciding on the best approach to replace a missing tooth, but each option has its merits and drawbacks and should be considered in careful consultation with your dentist.