Dental Implants vs. Bridges

They say you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone—which is especially true when it comes to teeth. Thankfully, there are replacement options! Here are some pros and cons of dental bridges and implants to help you decide which is right for you.

Bridges

A bridge is a false tooth connected to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The surrounding teeth are generally shaved down to create a more exact fit for the bridge. A cap is then placed over each tooth and connected together to form the bridge. 

There are three main types of bridges, and your dentist will recommend the best option for your circumstances based on where the missing tooth is located and how many teeth surround it.

Bridge Pros:

• More likely to be covered by insurance

• No oral surgery required

• Faster overall procedure (about 3–4 weeks)

• Less expensive than implants

Bridge Cons:

• Less aesthetically pleasing than implants

• Can cause damage or decay to surrounding teeth

• Replacements required periodically

Implants

In a dental implant procedure, the root of your tooth is replaced with a thin metal post generally made of titanium. Over a period of several months, new bone will grow around the metal. Your dentist will monitor the new bone growth and ensure that the implant structure is secure. Once everything is aligned correctly, a dental crown is placed and sealed on top of the implant.

Implant Pros:

• Nearly identical to natural teeth 

• Less damaging to surrounding teeth than bridges

• Promote healing for affected bone structures

• Can last a lifetime if properly cared for

Implant Cons:

• More expensive than bridges

• Time-consuming (overall procedure takes months)

• Oral surgery required

Bridges and crowns are both effective replacements for missing teeth. If you have further questions about either procedure, feel free to contact us at (801) 334-9444 or stop by our office!