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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Samuel Cho, DDS
Dental Implants vs. Bridges
Braddock Family Dental
. https://www.braddockfamilydental.com

Dental Implants vs. Bridges

Broken or missing teeth cause many people to visit their local dental offices looking for solutions.  They discover the causes being from teeth grinding/ clenching, accidents, cavities, and many other things.  Broken or missing teeth can have huge negative affects.  Not only will broken or missing teeth affect the esthetics of your face but can also cause other issues such as trouble with chewing, talking, and chronic headaches.  Dental implants and bridges are used to restore the esthetics and functions. In this article, we will discuss pros and cons of dental implants and bridges.

The pros of dental implants are: A) little maintenance and longer lifespan.  Cavities are a big part of why crowns and bridges fail or need replacements.  We don’t need to worry about cavities on implants because they are titanium posts.  The average lifespan of dental implants is about 15 years, which is longer than a bridge.  B) Natural look and function. Implants look, feel, and function like a natural tooth.  They are strong and stable.  C) Protect your jawbone.  Without tooth/teeth, our bone starts and continues to deteriorate over time.  Implants preserve bone and prevent bone loss.

The cons of dental implants are: A) Surgery.  Because the implant must be inserted into your bone, it requires surgery.  There are always risks involved with any kind of surgical procedure. B) Time.  Because the osseointegration (the fusion of implant to the bone) must take place, it takes time.  It may take months, usually 3-6 months.  In case of additional bone grafting procedure, it may take additional 4-6 months.

The pros of dental bridges are: A) Simple procedure. Unlike dental implants, bridges don’t require surgery.  No bone grafting surgery is required, nor do we need to worry about sinus or nerve complications.  B) Quicker.  It’s much quicker to get dental bridges.  For example, 2-3 visits and in 2-3 weeks of time bridges can be done, whereas implants take several months.

The cons of dental bridges are: A) Periodic replacements.  Bridges may need to be replaced periodically, due to cavities and gum disease.  The average lifespan of a bridge is 7-8 years.  Oral hygiene and regular dental visits are very essential to maintenance.  B) Trimming adjacent teeth.  A considerable amount of tooth structure must be removed and prepared, in order for teeth to act as anchors.

What should you choose?  Other things to consider are cost and dental insurance coverage. Dental implants can cost from $2,400 to $4,500.  Bridges can cost from $2,400 to $4,500 as well.  You may also want to talk to your insurance agent about your benefits.  What works best for you really depends on your situation.  The decision should be made after all the considerations, with an experienced dentist and a patient together.

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