Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge : Which is Better for You?
Dental problems are very common these days. One such problem is tooth loss and space created after that . After you lose a tooth, it is very important to get it replaced with the best choice provided by the dentist . Replacing a tooth will help you maintain the facial shape.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are artificial tooth which are made up of titanium. They are placed on your jawbone surgically with screws to hold a crown or bridge in place.
Dental Bridge
Dental Bridge are the pseudo teeth which are placed on the teeth around your missing tooth. These are made up of porcelain or plastic (zirconia) to match the colour of the tooth.
Dental Implant v/s Dental bridge both can deliver good results. However, both have their pros and cons.
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Pros and Cons of Dental Implant V/s Dental Bridge
Dental Implant :
Pros
- Can last lifelong till the bone condition is good.
- They have long shelf life than bridges.
- They cause no harm to the surrounding structures. Eg teeth
- They have excellent success rate.
Cons
- These are expensive.
- Procedure might take 6 months to complete.
- May lead to surgical complications.
Dental Bridges :
Pros
- These are cost effective.
- No bone surgery is required.
- They have lower cost than dental implant.
- Procedure time is shorter than dental implant.
Cons
- They have shelf life of only 5-7 years but may last upto 10 years.
- The natural looking appearance fades away with time.
- Can cause cavities and tooth decay to the surrounding tooth structure.
- They can damage the healthy teeth around the missing tooth.
Some questions that might come in your mind
1. Is bridging better than Implant?
If you are missing more than one tooth, and if you are looking for cost effective treatment then dental bridge is the option for you.
2. How painful is it to have implants?
The patient won’t feel any pain during the surgery because of the local anaesthesia given to the patient. However, when the effect of local anaesthesia fades off then the patient might feel some pain, which can be treated by medications.
3. How long does Implant surgery take?
Dental Implant surgery takes about 1-2 hours. However, it depends upon number of implant, amount of bone available or any other surgery involved.
4. What will happen if you don’t get dental Implant v/s dental bridge placed after the extraction?
Bone loss can occur if dental Implant or dental bridge is not placed on the space after the extraction and adjacent teeth will start tilting towards empty space which will lead to space between teeth and food lodgement. Food lodgement will create cavity and damage your remaining teeth.
5. Are Implants stronger than natural teeth?
Anyday, natural tooth is better but dental implant is next best option availabe. It is very strong and you can chew any food with it and it also has long life.
6. Can you chew gum with a bridge?
If you have a bridge placed in your mouth then avoide eating chew gums so that the bridge won’t come out. However it is not necessary that bridge will come out after eating chew gum.
7. How to clean your teeth with dental Implant or Dental Bridge?
You can clean your teeth with soft-bristled tooth brush and cold water. It is advised that you should floss your teeth. It will increase the life of bridge or Implant.
Interpretation
Dental Implant and Dental Bridges are two options by which you can get your teeth/ teeth replaced. If your budget is not a limiting factor then implant is the best option and you can go for it.
