Patients often weigh two popular options when replacing missing teeth: dental implants and dental bridges. Both options offer unique benefits and considerations. However, dental implants are increasingly recognised for their advantages over dental bridges in certain aspects. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive face-off between dental implants and bridges, highlighting the superior benefits of dental implants for those considering their options.
Understanding Dental Implants and Bridges
Before finding out the advantages of dental implants, it’s important to examine what each option entails.
Dental Implants: A Closer Look
Dental implants are an ideal solution for healing missing teeth. They involve an invasive procedure where a titanium post is adjusted into the jawbone, acting as a root for the replacement tooth.
Over time, this post fuses with the bone in a process known as osseointegration, providing a stable anchor for the artificial tooth (or teeth) attached to it.
The Essence of Dental Implants
Technically, a tooth implant is a titanium post designed to simulate the root of a tooth. Its primary function is to provide a secure and stable foundation for a replacement tooth or, in cases involving multiple missing teeth, a series of artificial teeth.
The biocompatible nature of titanium, combined with the body’s ability to integrate it into the bone tissue through osseointegration, makes dental implants a preferred choice for tooth replacement.
The Dental Implant Surgery Process
The journey towards restoring your smile with dental implants begins with a comprehensive dental implant surgery. This surgical procedure is meticulous and requires a high degree of precision. The dental professional will initially prepare the jawbone, which might involve bone grafting if the patient lacks sufficient bone density.
Once the site is ready, the dentist inserts the titanium post into the jawbone. The healing period following this procedure is crucial, as it allows the implant to merge with the bone, which can take several months.
After successful osseointegration, the dental professional will attach an abutment to the implant, which links the tooth implant and the replacement tooth or dental crown.
How Dental Dental Implants Help in Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants offer a versatile solution for individuals looking to replace missing teeth. Unlike dental bridges or dentures, which merely sit atop the gums, dental implants are anchored firmly into the jawbone, providing stability and strength akin to natural teeth.
This allows individuals to eat, speak, and smile confidently without fearing their artificial multiple teeth slipping or shifting.
Integration with Surrounding Teeth
Dental implants’ ability to coexist harmoniously with one or more teeth is a significant benefit. Since each implant is inserted individually, there is no need to alter or file down adjacent healthy teeth, as with other tooth replacement options.
This not only preserves the integrity of your natural teeth but also promotes a healthier oral environment by reducing the risk of decay and gum disease around the implant site.
Dental Bridges: An Overview
On the other hand, dental bridges are a traditional method used to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
A bridge comprises two or more dental crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (the adjacent teeth) and a false tooth/teeth in the middle. These false teeth are called pontics and can be created from gold, metal, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic component to heal the gap caused by one or more missing teeth. It consists of two main components: the pontic, or false tooth, which replaces the missing tooth, and the dental crowns attached to the adjacent natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
These crowns serve as foundations for the bridge, holding the pontic in place. Dental bridges can be created from various materials, including porcelain, often preferred for its natural appearance.
The Advantages of Dental Implants Over Bridges
Selecting the right method for replacing missing teeth is a critical decision that impacts your dental health and overall quality of life. When comparing dental bridges and implants, it’s important to understand the distinct advantages dental implants offer.
This comprehensive analysis highlights why dental implants are often considered superior to bridges, especially when considering long-term health, aesthetics, and functionality.
Preserving Natural Tooth Structure
One of the most significant pros of dental implants over dental bridges is their ability to preserve the natural structure of surrounding teeth. Unlike dental bridges requiring the adjacent teeth to be filed down to anchor the bridge, dental implants are adjusted directly into the jawbone, where the missing tooth is located. This process eliminates the need to alter or compromise the health of neighbouring teeth, maintaining more of your natural dental structure.
Bone Health and Prevention of Bone Loss
Another critical advantage of dental implants relates to bone health. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement process that promotes bone growth and prevents bone loss in the jawbone.
This is because the titanium post used in dental implants acts like a natural tooth root, providing necessary stimulation to the bone. In contrast, dental bridges sit above the gum line and do not provide this stimulation, leading to potential bone loss over time.
Durability and Longevity
Dental implants are famous for their durability and longevity. With essential care and upkeep, implants can last a lifetime, making them a more permanent solution than dental bridges.
The average longevity of a dental bridge is between 5 and 15 years, after which replacement is often necessary. Over time, the initial cost difference between bridges and implants may diminish when considering the need for bridge replacement.
Aesthetics and Functional Benefits
From an aesthetic perspective, dental implants offer a more natural appearance than bridges. Implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
They allow for greater colour matching and shaping precision, ensuring the replacement teeth blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Functionally, dental implants provide comfort and efficiency that bridges may not. They allow for easier eating and speaking without worrying about slipping or movement associated with other dental prosthetics. Implants are anchored securely into the jaw, providing stability closely mimicking natural teeth.
Oral Health and Hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene is simpler and more effective with dental implants than with bridges. Implants can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth, allowing for straightforward oral care.
Dental bridges, however, require flossers or brushes to clean beneath the pontic, which can be cumbersome and less effective in preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
Overall Health Benefits
The advantages of dental implants extend beyond just oral health. By preventing bone loss, preserving natural tooth structure, and enabling proper chewing and nutrition, dental implants contribute to better overall health outcomes.
Good oral health is linked to decreased risks of certain systemic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. By choosing dental implants, patients invest not only in their smiles but also in their long-term health and well-being.
Making the Right Choice for Your Dental Health
If you’re contemplating dental implants or wish to explore how they compare to dental bridges, Advanced Dental Care is here to provide expert advice and personalised care.
Our dedicated professionals are committed to helping you make the best decision for your oral health and aesthetic goals.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from achieving the smile you deserve. Contact Advanced Dental Care today at (02) 6188 7103.
Our friendly staff will be amused to schedule a consultation for you, where we can discuss your options, answer any questions, and guide you towards the most appropriate solution for your dental needs.
Embrace the opportunity to smile with confidence again. We look forward to supporting you on your path to improved dental health and a brighter, more confident smile.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dentures-services/3-teeth-replacement-options-whats-right-for-you
Dental implants provide a modern, innovative, and permanent way to replace and repair damaged and missing teeth and restore the health and brilliance of your smile.