Bridges vs. Implants: How are they Different?

Tooth loss is a common problem in the United States, affecting 1 out of every 6 adults. Missing teeth affects eating, speaking, and appearance. But with advances in dental care, you have many options for replacing your lost tooth or teeth.

At Solay Dental in Oldsmar, Florida, our experienced dentist Dr. Shiva Soleimani uses crowns and bridges, full and partial dentures, and implants to replace missing teeth. Given that you have so many options, you may wonder what dental prosthetic makes the best choice for you.

Here, we want to talk specifically about bridges and implants and how they differ.

About dental bridges

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that “bridges” the gap in between missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth and dental crowns we use to attach the bridge to the neighboring natural teeth. 

Bridges are a popular option for replacing missing teeth because it’s quick and less expensive than some other options. It’s also minimally invasive. The only procedure we need to perform for your dental bridge is shaping your natural tooth to support the crown.

With good dental care following placement, dental bridges last several years. 

About dental implants

Dental implants are a prosthetic replacement for your tooth root. For a dental implant, we surgically place a specially made biocompatible titanium screw into your jawbone that acts like your natural tooth root. We then attach an artificial crown to the implant to restore your smile.

Dental implants are the next best thing to your natural teeth. However, the process for getting dental implants is more involved. After surgically implanting the prosthetic tooth root, we have to wait several weeks for the implant and bone to integrate before we attach the crown. 

Because the prosthetic tooth root integrates with your jawbone, dental implants are stable, durable, and can last a lifetime. They also help preserve your jawbone. 

When you lose a tooth, your jawbone no longer gets the stimulation it needs to rebuild. Over time, your jawbone shrinks, affecting your look and fit of other dental prosthetic devices like bridges and dentures.

A dental implant provides bone stimulation, preventing changes in jawbone structure.

Combining bridges and implants

Traditionally, bridges and implants are two separate options for replacing missing teeth. However, you can get an implant supported bridge. So, instead of using your natural tooth as an anchor for your bridge, we use a dental implant.

With an implant supported bridge you get the bone-building benefits and we don’t have to disrupt the integrity of any of your natural teeth. 

When you’re missing teeth, our goal is to restore your smile in a way that best fits your needs, physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why we offer so many options. Let us help you restore your smile. Call our office today or click the book online button.