Oklahoma City Dental Bridge Versus Implant

If you have a missing tooth, you can have it replaced with either a dental bridge or a dental implant. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks. On this page, we will explain the basic differences between the two procedures and why you might prefer one or the other.

Dental bridge

Diagram of a dental bridge to compare to implant.This is the most traditional way of replacing a missing tooth. It involves placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space where a tooth is missing. Then a customized ceramic artificial tooth is placed between these two crowns and anchored to them. The crowned adjacent teeth provide the support for the bridge that replaces the missing tooth. In addition to designing natural-looking bridges that match the surrounding teeth, Dr. Forth is particularly skilled in the ovate pontic technique to prepare the gumline and make it appear that the tooth or teeth in the artificial bridge are growing out of the gum the way that a natural tooth would. (Learn more about our high-quality cosmetic dental bridges.)

Dental implants

Diagram of dental implant to compare to bridge.A dental implant involves surgically placing a titanium root form in the jawbone to replace that of the missing tooth. After this implant has been placed and the area has healed, Dr. Forth then places a customized ceramic crown over the part of the root form extending into the mouth. This forms a very solid, strong artificial tooth that functions virtually the same as the tooth that was lost.

This procedure requires no alteration of the adjacent teeth. In addition, a dental implant helps preserve the bony structure of the jaw at the point where the tooth was lost because it is actually anchored in the jawbone, preventing bone resorption by the body. (Learn more about dental implants done by Dr. Forth.)

Advantages of bridges and implants

The advantages of replacing a tooth with a dental bridge are:

  • Less treatment time. Getting a dental bridge only requires two visits, with little time in between. Dental implants require a surgical implant procedure and then weeks of healing time, during which the patient wears a temporary "dental flipper" tooth.
  • Slightly lower cost.
  • Simpler in some cases. If the teeth adjacent to the gap need crowns anyway, it is not much more work to add the bridge with the overall treatment.

The advantages of having a dental implant:

  • Does not require unnecessary treatment of adjacent teeth. If the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy, a dental implant is the most conservative treatment.
  • Bridges place additional stress on the anchor teeth. This is avoided with a dental implant.
  • Prevention of bone loss in the jaw. When a tooth is extracted or completely lost (including the root), the body naturally begins to resorb the calcium and other minerals at that point in the bone for use in other parts of the body. This leads to deterioration of the jawbone over time and a sunken appearance.

Who can have dental implants?

Many patients are candidates for dental implants, especially if they have good general health, a strong jaw, and gums in good condition. However, even patients with some co-existing issues can get dental implants, though the procedure is more complicated.

Certain gum diseases as well as chronic health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, might make the surgery required for dental implants particularly risky.

Dr. Forth can discuss your individual medical history and help you make an informed decision about which procedure is right for you.

 

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