The Advantages and Disadvantages of Bridges and Implants

Both dental bridges and dental implants offer a great solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Though many people wonder which option is "better," the truth is that both can have their pros and cons.

A bridge provides a method of replacing missing teeth by anchoring replacement teeth to the adjacent natural teeth. The adjacent teeth are known as abutments, and are used to hold the bridge up in much the same way that abutments hold up a bridge that spans a river.

The artificial tooth used in a dental implant is not attached to the adjacent teeth, but rather to a titanium root which is placed in the gums and secured to the jawbone. The titanium root functions the same way as a natural tooth root would.

At Azarko Dental clinic in Edmonton we offer both bridges and implants, because we know that each option has different advantages and disadvantages for different people.

The Pros and Cons of Bridges

Bridges are a functional and reliable tooth replacement option that gives many people predictably positive results and an improved smile. Bridges are also less costly on the outset than implants, and require a shorter amount of time to make, meaning you can replace your missing teeth much more quickly.

Bridges do, however, require that the abutment teeth are healthy and strong. Some enamel may also have to be removed from the adjacent teeth, and, if they have crowns, then those crowns will have to be redone. Bridges have also been known to increase rates or gum disease, so careful and thorough oral hygiene habits are particularly important for bridge wearers. Also, while bridges are cheaper on the outset, they will typically have to be replaced in 10-15 years.

The Pros and Cons of Implants

Like bridges, dental implants are aesthetically pleasing, reliable, and very functional. In fact, an implant functions exactly like a normal tooth, making it easy to speak and to chew. Dental implants do not require that any work be done on adjacent teeth, and they do not contribute to increased rates of gum disease. Dental implants are as easy to clean as natural teeth, and they are not susceptible to tooth decay. Best of all, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Though their longevity is a major pro, dental implants can be significantly more expensive on the outset. They also require minor surgery and a bit of a recovery time. Dental implants are furthermore not a good option for people with certain oral health conditions.

Find Out Which Tooth Replacement Option is Best for You

The best way to find out which tooth replacement option is right for you is to speak to an Edmonton dentist. You can visit one of the Azarko Dental Group's Edmonton dental clinic to speak to our dentists about our dental bridges and dental implants today.

Scheduling an appointment at our dental clinic locations can be done quickly and easily by filling out our online form.