Dental Implants as a Replacement Option for Aging Bridges

The two most popular ways of replacing missing teeth are bridges and implants. A dental bridge comprises three or more artificial teeth or crowns where both ends attach to a healthy tooth and the artificial tooth is suspended in between to fill the gap of the missing tooth. About 20 years ago, bridges were considered among the best choices for teeth replacement. However, modern dental implants have taken their spot. Today, dentists use dental implants to replace single or multiple missing teeth. If you have dental bridges and need to update them, implant dentistry provides a perfect solution. Whether partial dentures or multiple teeth bridges, implant-supported bridges are now reshaping the face of implant surgical procedures and oral reconstruction.

Implants vs. Bridges for Missing Tooth

Dental bridges tend to fail easier compared to dental implants. Bridges are semi-permanent and can last only a few years. A bridge may need replacement if it is found that the natural teeth beneath it are decayed or have developed gum disease. When it comes to cleaning them, it is more challenging, therefore, it places the areas around it at risk of having oral health concerns.

Dental implants are preferred over two teeth supporting a bridge because the implants can last a lifetime. If a cavity or one tooth root affects the existing teeth underneath a bridge, it means that the entire unit will fail. Dental implants, on the other hand, stimulate new bone growth and are set in place permanently.

Also, bridges tend to sacrifice healthy teeth because the natural teeth on both sides, which support traditional dental bridges, need modification. They are filed down in order to make them smaller for the dental crowns to fit properly. Usually, these modifications are permanent because they are done on the enamel and you know that enamel never grows back after it has been removed. So, the teeth supporting the bridge are often weakened by the modifications that involve cutting away the enamel. So, you are essentially making an otherwise healthy tooth become weak while there are less invasive treatments such as implants that don’t require modification of healthy teeth. With a dental implant, you preserve your healthy teeth because it replaces both the crowns and roots. Learn more about bridges and implants. Contact our team today.