Dental Implants Vs Fixed Dental Bridges

Dental implants involve a series of procedures that are implemented to replace a missing tooth. The dental implants themselves are titanium posts placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. 

The jawbone forms a bond to the implant over time, much like the natural amalgamation of the tooth and jawbone. Not only does this secure bond serve as a stable foundation for a replacement tooth, it also prevents bone and gum tissue deterioration that occurs when a missing tooth is not replaced. 

Once the implants have had sufficient time to bond with the bone, a custom-designed prosthetic replacement tooth is fixed onto each implant abutment. The end result of dental implants amounts to more than just a beautiful smile; it also restores a patient’s dental health and confidence for years to come.

A fixed dental bridge is a non-removable prosthesis that uses natural teeth as anchors to replace a missing tooth. For many years, fixed dental bridges were the best solution to replace a missing tooth; however bridges can present additional dental health problems because the natural, healthy teeth used for the bridge must be filed down in order to properly affix the dental bridge in place. 

This procedure increases the risk of plaque accumulation, tooth decay and periodontal disease, which would require the patient to undergo additional dental work, such as a root canals or further tooth loss, down the road. In addition, fixed dental bridges do not fill in the gums and bone that is lost over time after a tooth is missing.

The initial investment in a fixed dental bridge tends to be more economical than a dental implant; however, dental costs over time are likely to mount with dental bridges as problems arise. 

Unlike dental bridges, which may call for costly dental work down the road, dental implants simply require standard oral maintenance and proper at-home care just like your natural teeth. 

When comparing the cost versus the value of dental implants and fixed dental bridges, dental implants are the more cost-effective tooth replacement solution over time and a better treatment option for patients who are good candidates for the procedure.