If you are missing one or more teeth, chances are that you are looking into restorative options like implants and bridges. There are many different benefits of each treatment, and we know it can feel overwhelming to decide on what’s best for your oral care. That’s why the team at the Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence created this list of implant vs. bridges pros and cons. Take a look and feel free to call us for any additional information or to schedule a consultation!
The Pros And Cons Of Dental Implants
Dental implants are made of titanium. The small, screw-shaped implant is placed directly into your gums and jaw where your missing tooth used to be. Once it heals, it acts as an artificial tooth root and can support a restoration like a dental crown, fixed bridge, or an implant-supported denture.
Pros
- Long lifespan – Dental implants typically last more than 30 years, and most patients will keep their implants for the rest of their lives.
- Very natural look and feel – Implants mimic the natural structure of your tooth and its root, so they look and feel very natural and will never shift or move while you eat, speak, chew, or smile.
- Supports jaw bone health – Because your implant bonds with the surrounding tissue (a process known as “osseointegration”) it stimulates your jaw and prevents bone loss.
Cons
- Long treatment process – It usually takes at least 3-6 months to get a dental implant, and it can take longer if you need additional treatments like bone grafting or tooth extraction.
- Not every patient qualifies – If you don’t have a strong enough jaw to support an implant, you may not be a good candidate for treatment.
- Costly & rarely covered by insurance – Dental implants are a good long-term investment, but they have a high up-front cost.
The Pros And Cons Of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge consists of two crowns that are attached to healthy “abutment” teeth. Using a metal framework, a pontic (false tooth) rests between these two crowns, filling in the gap left behind by losing your tooth.
Pros
- No invasive oral surgery required – Your teeth must be trimmed, but no invasive surgery is required to get a bridge, unlike with implants.
- Get results in 2-3 weeks – The bridge process takes only 2 appointments over 2-3 weeks, so you’ll get fast results.
- Affordable – Bridges are usually cheaper than implants and the are covered by insurance in most cases.
Cons
- Complex cleaning & maintenance – It’s more difficult to clean and maintain a bridge compared to an implant.
- Relatively short lifespan – Bridges usually last 10-15 years, which is shorter than an implant’s lifespan.
- Requires healthy enamel to be removed – To prepare for your bridge, healthy enamel must be removed from the abutment teeth to accommodate the crowns needed to hold the bridge in place.
Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Schof Now!
Both dental bridges and dental implants have their pros and cons, as you can see. If you’re still not sure which option may be right for you, we’re here to help! Dr. Charles Schof is an experienced dentist and he has been successfully restoring smiles with implants and bridges for years.
If you schedule a consultation at the Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence, Dr. Schoff will examine your mouth and help you determine which method of tooth replacement is right for you. Contact us now at (985) 626-4401 to get started, or stop by our office at 240 Dalwill Dr, Mandeville, LA 70471.
