If you have missing teeth, you may be wondering what your best options are for replacing them. Two common options are dental implants or fixed dental bridges. Both have their own unique advantages, so it’s important to understand how each can affect your smile and long-term oral health.
What Is A Tooth Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It looks like a set of three or more crowns; only the ends of the bridge are functional, and they suspend a false tooth (or teeth) between them. They are typically anchored to healthy teeth on either side of your missing tooth but can also be installed on top of a pair of dental implants if you have several missing teeth in that space.
What Is A Tooth Implant?
A dental implant is a surgically implanted artificial tooth root that is used to support a replacement “tooth” or crown on top of it. The implant is biocompatible with your bone, so it fuses with the surrounding bone structures to provide a permanent and stable foundation for the crown on top of it. Once the implant has fused with the bone, an implant can last for life.
How Can A Tooth Implant Benefit You?
Dental implants have several advantages over bridges, including:
Long-lasting: Tooth implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Stable foundation: Because the implant is fused with the jawbone, it provides a durable foundation for the replacement tooth that can outperform even the healthiest of natural teeth.
Non-invasive to adjacent teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants do not require altering the structure of your neighboring healthy teeth, making them non-invasive when compared to fixed bridge treatments.
Preservation of bone structure: When a tooth falls out, the bone tissue in that space will start to deteriorate (resorb) over time. Dental implants help prevent bone resorption and trigger stronger bone wherever they’re installed.
Easy to care for: Tooth implants can be maintained just like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and regular checkups.
What’s Better: A Tooth Implant Or Bridge?
The decision of whether to choose a dental implant or bridge depends on several factors, including your oral health needs, budget, and personal preferences. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
If you have healthy teeth and gums, and enough bone tissue to support an implant, a tooth implant may be the best option as it does not require cutting down the neighboring teeth to anchor it in place. However, if the teeth on either side of your missing one can benefit from a crown, a bridge may be a better choice.
While dental implants are typically more expensive than bridges up front, they are also longer lasting and more durable. They offer the best return on investment over the course of your smile. That’s why we offer flexible financing options to help with your initial investment.
Some people prefer the look and feel of a dental implant, while others prefer the convenience and upfront affordability of a bridge. Ultimately, the decision of which option to choose should be based on your personal preferences and needs.
Reserve a Consultation Today
At Chatt Implant Center in Hixon, Chattanooga, our team of dental professionals can help you determine which tooth replacement option is best for you. We offer a variety of restorative choices, including implants and bridges, and we work closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals.
We believe that the better educated our patients are about their treatment options, the more confident they can be about their oral health investment. That way, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come. Contact our office in Hixon, Chattanooga today to reserve a no-pressure tooth replacement consultation.
