By Last Updated: March 6, 2023

If you are looking for options to replace your missing tooth, you may have encountered a dental bridge or implant. These are excellent teeth replacement options to restore your smile. But how do a bridge and an implant differ? And how do you know which is best for you?

Read along to learn more about a dental bridge and an implant and the pros and cons of each. At the end of your read, you can better understand what fits your lifestyle and budget most and the best choice for your smile.

What are bridges and implants?

A dental bridge and implant are some of our solutions for tooth loss.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is fixed in the mouth and is recommended for patients who are missing one or up to 3 adjacent teeth.

A bridge is often made with at least three units of crown, with two abutments on each side of the space and an artificial tooth in between as tooth replacement. At Sierra Dental, we offer several types of dental bridge depending on the material used. This includes metal-porcelain, porcelain, or zirconia.

Tooth Implant

Meanwhile, implants are embedded in your jawbone for support and as an attachment for an artificial tooth. Dental implants are versatile and can replace a single missing tooth up to a complete set of missing teeth.

A single implant fixture is composed of a titanium screw inserted in the bone. Then, an abutment is placed on top of it to hold a crown, bridge, or full denture. If you are missing more teeth, more implant fixtures are needed to hold an artificial dental prosthesis and complete your smile. 

What are the pros and cons of bridges and implants?

Bridges and implants differ in many ways. As a gist, here are some ways a bridge may be better than an implant or an implant may be better than a bridge.

Dental Bridge

  • Fixed by reshaping two teeth abutments
  • Easier, shorter process
  • No healing interval required
  • Replaces only 1 to 3 adjacent missing teeth
  • Causes bone loss
  • Gums may drop and expose underneath the bridge
  • No screening process, most patients are likely candidates
  • Few to no complications
  • More affordable
  • Teeth abutments may decay and weaken
  • May fracture overtime when abutment weakens
  • Weakened support overtime may cause early treatment failure

Tooth Implant

  • Fixed through bone-implant integration
  • More complicated, time-consuming process
  • Healing needs to take place for up to 6 months before attachment can be placed
  • Replaces 1 to a full set of missing teeth
  • Provides bone support and strength
  • Bone support helps with a more natural smile
  • Bone must be in good health for a successful treatment
  • Non-healing implants are prone to complications and eventual implant rejection
  • Expensive
  • Bone is dense and will provide long-term support
  • Facilitates better chewing and biting even with age
  • Strong support helps the treatment last longer

How to choose between an implant and a bridge?

With the pros and cons mentioned above, deciding which treatment is better for you may be easier. Ultimately, an implant is the best option, especially if you are looking for a natural-looking, longer-lasting tooth replacement. After all, a tooth implant is the closest you can get to the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth.

However, suppose you are to look at an implant’s cons, including the long process, higher cost, and possible complications and implant rejection. In that case, a dental bridge is a good alternative.

Other Options – Dentures

At Sierra Dental, we provide our patients with several treatment options. This helps us be more on-point when it comes to your specifications. The closer the outcome is to your expectations, the more confidently you can smile.

Dentures

Both a dental bridge and tooth implant are fixed in the mouth. On the other hand, dentures are an excellent solution if you are looking for a removable option. Dentures may be partial for a few missing teeth or full for a complete set of missing teeth. There are also flipper dentures which replace a single missing tooth.

Dentures are great because you can easily clean them. You can also easily practice excellent oral hygiene by simply removing your dentures and brushing your teeth as usual.

The only downside to dentures is that it offers no bone support, unlike dental implants. So, you will eventually find your bone decreasing and thinning with age. This will result in loose dentures that need replacement every few years.

Conclusion

If you are still confused about whether you should go for a dental bridge or an implant, schedule a visit with our dentist instead! With their help, they can provide you with a more in-depth explanation of both treatments. Then, after going over your specifications and concerns, we can recommend the perfect solution that best suits your smile and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bridge and Implant

How long does a dental bridge procedure take?

Getting a dental bridge requires around 2 – 4 dental visits. The process involves three general steps: prep – trial – fit. The trial part may take longer as we need to check the overall fit and look of the bridge before we have it polished.

How long does the dental implant process take?

A dental implant must heal into your bone before any attachment is placed over it. This requires around a 4 – 6 month wait, depending on how fast your healing process is. After that, we can create the bridge or denture to be fixed on your tooth implant.

Is an implant painful?

While the implant process may sound intimidating, you will be relieved that Sierra Dental dentists make it as relatively painless as possible. We administer anesthesia on the implant area before doing any work to keep you comfortable during your implant journey.

Is a dental bridge permanent?

Yes. A dental bridge involves shaving off tooth enamel on both abutments to make space for the material. Because of this, you will need to have a dental bridge permanently. This is to prevent damage to tooth abutments and keep your smile perfect.

Complete Your Smile with Sierra Dental

With our treatment options for missing teeth, you will indeed find one that fits your exact needs. Call us today at Sierra Dental to schedule your visit, and let us get you on the right track to that healthy and beautiful smile!