If you have missing or damaged teeth, you aren’t the only one. Many adults end up needing a tooth replacement at some point in their lives, and if that time has arrived for you, you may be struggling to decide between dental implants or dental bridges. This choice is dependent on several factors, from your particular dental circumstances to your budget. The best way to decide which dental restoration is best for you is to speak to one of our dentists at Garden Oaks Dental Centre. Read on to learn more about the difference between these two tooth restoration options.
What is the Difference Between a Dental Implant and a Dental Bridge?
Dental implants near you use a titanium post to replace the root of a missing tooth. This post is carefully inserted into your jawbone by a dentist in Winnipeg so that it can eventually fuse with the jawbone to create permanent support for a dental crown.
Dental bridges close the gap left behind by a missing tooth. Instead of using an implant post to anchor the restoration, a dental bridge most often uses teeth on each side of the space to hold the dental restoration in place. Dental bridges can be made out of gold or porcelain, depending on the structural requirements and where they will be placed in your smile.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
1. The Process
Dental implants in Winnipeg require a surgical procedure to implant the titanium post into your jawbone. Most of the time, getting a dental implant requires multiple visits to a dental clinic and time for your jawbone to heal before the restoration can be completed. On the other hand, a dental bridge requires a much less complicated procedure and a shorter timeline overall.
2. Maintenance and Lifespan
One of the biggest advantages of a dental implants is that they tend to last many decades and require little additional maintenance above regular dental care. Dental bridges require a bit more extra maintenance on a daily basis and tend to last for less time than dental implants.
3. Health of Surrounding Tissues and Structures
Dental implants offer some great benefits to your overall oral health. Since the implant post stimulates the jawbone, it replaces the role of the tooth root in preventing jawbone deterioration. A dental bridge does not replace the tooth root, so bone deterioration will not be stopped with this dental restoration. Additionally, a dental bridge requires the use of adjacent teeth for support, and a dentist near you will have to alter these teeth to prepare them for the dental bridge. A dental implant does not affect the surrounding teeth in any way.
4. Natural Appearance and Feel
Dental implants are the gold standard when it comes to replicating the look and feel of natural teeth. A dental bridge is also very functional, and they blend seamlessly in with surrounding natural teeth.
5. Cost
Understandably, one of the biggest concerns that patients have when it comes to choosing dental restorations is cost. A dental implant tends to be costlier than a dental bridge due to the complicated process involved in placing them. The exact cost of either procedure can vary depending on the materials used, your dentist’s experience, and your unique circumstances.
Visit Garden Oak Dental Centre
No matter what you choose, our team at Garden Oaks Dental Centre can help. Please do not hesitate to give us a call and book a consultation with our dentist today!