Weighing your Options: Dental Implants Vs Bridges

The argument regarding whether one should get a dental implant or bridges is always present. In order to make the right decision, it is important to first understand both these procedures in detail. There are many misconceptions surrounding these procedures, thus one must first acquaint themselves with the help of your dentist and thus make the right choice.

While bridges are affordable, dental implants are more precise and long lasting, thus depending upon personal needs, the choice differs. Our dental implant specialist team in Long Island New York helps understand then in detail.

Bridgework: Procedure

A bridge is formulated by reducing the teeth besides the empty spaces and then placing a crown. This crown is supported by the adjoining teeth, thus forming a bridge. The crown is not fused in the jaw bone, but is instead just placed in the empty space. It is a good restorative procedure for those who have more than one missing teeth. The materials used for the teeth consist of porcelain and gold. Bridges may be removable or fixed or in many cases also partially removable.

Advantages of Bridgework:

•          It’s a cheaper alternative
•          It is not a lengthy process
•          Gives a good natural appearance

Disadvantages of Bridgework:

•          It is not long lasting
•          Tends to decay when the adjoining teeth are faced with tooth problems, thus requiring replacement
•          Proper hygiene must be maintained
•          The healthy teeth besides the bridge come under trauma and pressure due to the crown and bridge placed, thus causing a root fracture
•          As replacement is required in bridge, the surrounding teeth become weak.

Dental Implants: Procedure

Unlike bridgework, a dental implant consists of affixing a titanium screw in the jawbone of the missing tooth. Once the screw has been placed, a crown resembling a tooth is placed over the abutment, thus forming an original looking tooth.

Advantages of Dental implants:

•          Permanent solution to tooth loss
•          Help in restoring oral functioning. Proper bite is restored thus aiding in chewing, smiling and speech
•          Very comfortable as they are real-like thus increasing the smile aesthetics

Disadvantages of Dental implants:

•          It s a costlier option than bridgework
•          Since it is embedded into the bone not every person can have a dental implant as every patient might not have sufficient underlying jawbone
•          The healing time after the fixing of the screw is 4-6 months, thus the procedure is a long one
•          Multiple visits are required for the entire procedure to finish
•          Patient feels a lot of discomfort all throughout the procedure and only after final placement of the crown is the patient able to chew and talk normally

Conclusion

Both the procedures have their pros and cons and thus one should get their condition evaluated from a dentist who shall be able to guide. According to your requirements should you opt for the right procedure.