Dental Bridges vs. Implants: Choosing Best for You

Dental implants can be placed anywhere in the mouth in one of the two arches. It depends on the presence of bone. The dentist places the fixed dental bridge where there is sufficient tooth support around the area of the missing tooth. The nearby teeth usually act as a support system for the fixed dental bridges in Chaska.

When you schedule an implant appointment, the skilled oral surgeon drills into the jawbone. Then, the expert integrates the implant root to the bone. After that, the oral surgeon adds a denture temporarily till the bone heals properly. Then, the patient needs to wait for two to six months for complete healing. Finally, the professional adds a crown over the implant post.

Difference Between Implants and Dental Bridges

Dental bridges and implants are the two common solutions available for replacing missing teeth. Implants are durable artificial teeth added into the jaw bone. Bridges are dental prosthetics that integrate fake teeth to the adjacent teeth permanently.

Let us take a look at more differences:

Durability

Dental bridges usually stay for around ten years. However, implants reside for a lifetime when the patient takes care of them well.

Treatment Duration

Implants are manufactured with a titanium metal that integrates with the jaw bone. It takes some time (usually a few months) for complete healing. On the other hand, the patient gets the temporary dental bridge replaced with a permanent bridge two weeks after the procedure.

Preservation of Bone

Bone loss is common when you have one or multiple missing teeth and have bridges installed. But implants are an excellent restorative solution that prevents the deterioration of jaw bone.

Oral Hygiene

Patients need to follow aftercare tips suggested by the dentist in Chaska after getting implants and bridges. It includes sticking to proper oral hygiene to prevent the accumulation of plaque. However, implant patients need regular dental check-ups and take special care after the treatment.

Remember, taking care of dental implants near me is as essential as caring for your original teeth. Patients need to floss, brush as you do with their teeth, and have regular dental cleaning appointments with the dentist. Although implant patients cannot develop cavities, they can still have a disease known as peri-implantitis.

A bridge patient also needs to take care of their oral health by following a consistent oral hygiene routine. Cleaning under the dental bridge is the most challenging issue for the patient. Today, floss threaders and water threaders can help in addressing this problem. Besides this, dental bridges can also develop cavities and periodontal disease.

Stability

Dental implants are more stable as compared to dental bridges near you. Thus, patients need not be concerned about slipping an implant from its position. There are few bridge types available that are more stable than other types. But they do not provide complete stability.

How to Pick Between a Bridge and an Implant?

Dentists in Chaska can help you choose the best tooth-replacement option for your unique case. There are many factors you can consider before deciding between the two:

Price

Dental insurance usually covers a bridge instead of an implant. Bridges are much more affordable upfront as compared to implants. The most costly bridges cost up to $1200.

But it does not include the crown price ($500 to $2500 per tooth). For lower-end bridges, you can expect to spend $500 per tooth. For implants, you can expect to pay $3000 to $4500 per tooth.

Number of Lost Teeth

A dental bridge is the most appropriate for you if you’re missing more than a single consecutive tooth.

But if the dental expert adds a separate implant to the jaw bone for every missing tooth, the whole procedure gets costly.

Overall Health

Implant ideal candidates are those with excellent oral health and a healthy jawbone. Implants are not an ideal option for patients with health conditions that make healing slow (for example – leukemia, diabetes, etc.)

Timing

A dental implant procedure can take several months to complete. However, dental bridge installation needs two trips to the dental office over several weeks.

Take the advantage of dental bridges at Town Dental Chaska. For any doubt, consult us without any hesitation.