Is a dental implant better than a bridge?

05 Jun

Is a dental implant better than a bridge?

When it comes to replacing a missing tooth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dental bridges. Both restore function and appearance, but they have important differences that can affect which is the better choice for you.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. After the implant integrates with the bone, a crown is attached on top, creating a natural-looking and strong replacement tooth.

Advantages of Implants:

Preserve jawbone health by stimulating the bone and preventing bone loss
Don’t affect neighboring teeth
Can last a lifetime with proper care
Provide excellent stability and chewing function

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepared by removing some enamel, and a false tooth (pontic) is fixed between them, “bridging” the gap.

Advantages of Bridges:

Faster and usually less expensive upfront than implants
No surgery required
Effective solution for missing teeth when implants aren’t an option

Which Is Better?

Dental implants are generally considered the superior option because they protect bone health, don’t damage adjacent teeth, and offer greater durability and function. However, not everyone is a candidate for implants due to bone density or health conditions.

Bridges can be a good choice when implants aren’t possible, or when budget and time constraints are a factor.

Final Thoughts

Your dentist can help you decide which option fits your needs best based on your oral health, budget, and personal preferences. Both implants and bridges can restore your smile and chewing ability — the right choice depends on your individual situation.

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