When a Dental Bridge Might Be the Better Choice Than an Implant

Discover When a Dental Bridge Is the Best Option

Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for every case. There are many scenarios where a patient could be better off with a dental bridge. Here’s how factors like oral health, lifestyle, and personal preferences can affect your choice of treatment.

When Bone Density or Structure Is Limited

Both dental bridges and implants are effective restorative dentistry options. However, they work in very different ways. A dental bridge relies on surrounding natural teeth for support. 

On the other hand, implants are surgically placed in the jawbone and use it as a foundation. Because of this, a strong jawbone is required for implant placement, which not all patients have. Jawbone density and size vary naturally, with some patients being at the lower end and not a good fit for implants.

Jawbone deterioration is another factor. If you live with missing teeth for years, the jawbone weakens and shrinks, making it unsuitable for supporting implants. Dental bridges can provide a stable, less invasive alternative for patients who aren’t good candidates for dental implants.

When Health Conditions Affect Healing

When comparing tooth replacement options, you should also keep in mind that implant placement is a surgical procedure, while a bridge can restore your smile and is less invasive. Patients who have conditions contraindicating surgery may not be suitable candidates for dental implants.

Various conditions can affect healing after implant surgery, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Infection related to gum disease is another major concern. Medications, including blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids, can also cause complications.

Patients with these conditions or taking these medications can turn to dental bridges instead. They can provide a safer and quicker solution without requiring additional treatment or changes to your medication. Make sure to fully inform your Greenville, South Carolina, dentist of existing conditions and any medications you take.

When Adjacent Teeth Need Crowns Anyway

Dental bridges are made up of two crowns with an artificial tooth between them, forming a row of three replacement teeth. The two teeth surrounding the gap are crowned, having enamel removed to create a suitable base, and then the bridge is permanently fixed to them.

In many cases, patients with tooth loss suffer damage and decay to other teeth as well. If the surrounding teeth will probably need crowns, a dental bridge addresses that issue as well.

A dental implant only replaces the missing tooth, without doing anything for the surrounding teeth. Entirely separate crowns will have to be placed for adjacent teeth, if needed, meaning more time at the dentist’s office and higher costs.

When Faster Results Are Preferred

Dental implant treatment requires a long-term commitment. The initial implant surgery places the implants in the jawbone, but that’s just the first step. Over several months, the implants bond with the jawbone, leaving you without replacement teeth for that time. Once ready, the abutment and crown are attached during another appointment.

For many patients, the process can be even longer. Bone grafting is a common procedure to augment the jawbone so that it can support implants. This surgery also requires time afterward for the grafted bone to integrate, essentially doubling the treatment timeline.

Dental bridges are a much faster process. Your teeth are prepared, and impressions are taken during the first visit. You’ll have a temporary bridge for a few weeks while a specialized dental lab prepares your custom bridge. After that, there’s just one more visit to cement the bridge, which is a straightforward procedure.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance

When considering bridges versus implants, you should also carefully weigh what living with them afterward will be like. When it comes to brushing and flossing, implants are considered more convenient, with similar requirements to natural teeth. Bridges can require floss threaders or interdental brushes for thorough cleaning.

Both bridges and dental crowns can be made of porcelain and other ceramic materials. This means they’re similar in terms of how they stand up to biting, chewing, and long-term wear. Both are long-lasting but may need replacement after 10 to 15 years, and it should be noted that only the crown of the implant is swapped out, not the implant itself.

There are many factors to consider when making your choice. The best way to know for sure is to seek professional guidance from your dentist. That way, you can find the right fit for your unique smile.

Find Out if a Dental Bridge Is Right for Your Smile

Both bridges and implants are effective dental restorations for different cases. While implants may be ideal for many patients, dental bridges are the better choice for others. If you have one or more missing teeth, talk to your trusted Greenville dentist. Schedule a consultation at Monroe Family Dentistry to get started today.