Important Reasons for Choosing Dental Implants over Bridges

Tooth loss is a common problem among adults, with 69 percent of adults between 35 and 44 losing one permanent tooth and 25 percent of the population losing all permanent teeth by 74.

Tooth loss makes it essential to get a proper replacement to ensure the remaining teeth stay aligned. The replacement teeth also help maintain your facial structure and avoid challenges when eating and speaking. The two most common options for replacing teeth include dental implants and bridges. They are generally made from plastic or porcelain to match the colour of your remaining teeth. Dental implants and bridges help cover one or more missing teeth.

Titanium helps make dental implants function as your artificial tooth roots. They are embedded into your jawbone to hold a dental crown or bridge in position.

Let us compare the benefits and downsides of dental implants and bridges and look at the factors that help determine which option best suits your needs.

Dental Implants Vs. Bridges

The responsibility of delivering natural-looking results rests on dental implants and bridges, but they have their benefits and downsides. Consider how these replacement options compare:

Dental Bridge Benefits

• Dental bridges will likely receive coverage from dental insurance.
• Bridges don’t require invasive surgery or bone grafting.
• The upfront cost of bridges is usually lower than dental implants.
• You can get dental bridges in a couple of weeks with the providing dentists needing two visits.

Dental Bridge Downsides

• Dental bridges need replacements every five to seven years, although their longevity can be extended to over a decade.
• Bridges lose their natural-looking appearance with time.
• Bridges make the surrounding teeth more vulnerable to cavities and decay than implants.
• Bridges damage the neighbouring healthy teeth around the missing tooth.

Dental Implant Benefits

• Dental implants last for 15 years or more, remaining the most extended-lasting option on the market.
• Implants retain their natural-looking appearance longer than bridges.
• Implants don’t damage healthy teeth because they are standalone applications.
• The success rate of dental implants is high, standing at 97 percent.

Dental Implant Downsides

• Dental implants as missing tooth replacements will likely not receive coverage by dental insurance.
• The process requires at least six months to complete.
• Teeth implants have a higher upfront cost.
• Implants can also lead to surgical complications.

Choosing between Implants and Dental Bridges

If you possess dental insurance, bridges will likely receive coverage for the missing teeth than implants. Unfortunately, if you don’t have dental insurance and cannot afford dental implants in North York, ON, or bridges, you can discuss partial dentures and alternative options with your dentist.

Number of Lost Teeth

A dental bridge is an excellent option if you miss one or more consecutive teeth. However, separate implants need surgical placement in your jawbone for each missing tooth resulting in expensive and impractical surgery.

Overall Health

Surgery is a requirement for dental implants making people with medical conditions like diabetes or immunosuppressive disorders that slow healing ineligible for the procedure. In addition, optimal candidates for dental implants must have good overall health and jawbone without decay or gum disease sufficiently healthy to support implant placement.

Duration

The entire procedure to get dental implants requires months, while dentists complete dental bridge placement in two trips spread over a couple of weeks. When getting dental implants, the dentist must drill your jawbone to embed the root of the implant within. They may provide a temporary denture for aesthetic purposes as you wait for your bone to heal. You must wait two to six months for bone healing before the dentist mounts a dental crown over the implant.

Dental implants and bridges are two options for replacing a missing tooth. In addition, you may receive dental insurance coverage for dental bridges requiring a smaller upfront cost.

However, if you are not constrained by the costs and are in good overall health, dental implants are an excellent option to replace your missing the. Dental implants remain in your mouth longer without damaging your surrounding teeth. The dentist in North York can help you determine which option is optimal for your specific situation and suggest alternatives if you cannot afford implants or bridges or want to wait for some time before you get replacements for your missing teeth.

If affected by missing teeth and looking for replacements, Marlee Dental Office Near You provides dental implants and bridges as suitable options. Consult the practice today to determine which solution best suits your needs and receive help to cover the gaps between your teeth as soon as possible.