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What is the difference between dental bridge and implant?

Today, there are many restorative solutions for teeth, of which dental bridges and implants are two examples. When a person loses one or more teeth for any reason, they should be replaced immediately. First of all, empty teeth have an effect on the appearance of each person and his smile. Also, leaving the tooth space empty for a long time causes damage to the gums, jawbones and adjacent teeth. The two most important ways to replace missing teeth are dental bridges and implants. Many patients do not know why the dentist in Canada has chosen one of them for them. In this article, we are going to provide explanations of these two methods and compare them.

What is a dental bridge?

First of all, you need to have information about both methods. A dental bridge is suitable for filling the space of one or two missing teeth. This device rests on adjacent teeth or implants. Bridges that replace missing teeth are called pontics. There are four different types of dental bridges.

  • Traditional Bridge
  • Bridge County Lore
  • Maryland Bridge
  • Bridge with implants.

What are the advantages of a dental bridge?

The best way to compare two different treatment methods is to check their advantages and disadvantages. For this reason, we intend to provide explanations about the advantages and disadvantages of each dental bridge and implant method. The advantages of dental bridges include the following.

Simple process

There is no need for surgery to place dental bridges. It is not difficult to insert them and the patient does not feel much pain. In fact, it can be said that placing a dental bridge is one of the simple dental tasks that may involve the patient in two to three sessions.

Less time

Placing a dental bridge does not take much time. Because, unlike the implant, it does not involve the jaw bones. The most time we need to prepare and place a dental bridge is a few weeks. Meanwhile, in order to achieve the results of the implantation process, one should be involved in treatment for several months.

Affordable

The cost of dental bridges is more reasonable than implants. Many people say that dental bridges do not last long. But if high-quality bridges are used and the patient takes good care of them, they can last well. In some cases, dental bridges remain in the mouth for up to ten years without any problems.

What are the disadvantages of dental bridges?

Using this method also has disadvantages that you should be aware of.

The appearance of the dental bridge

Dental implants are very similar to natural teeth. But the appearance of a dental bridge is different from a natural tooth. For this reason, if someone pays attention, he can notice that it is artificial. Their appearance is not pleasant for some people.

Need to repair

Bridges used for teeth should be replaced periodically. Usually, bridges need to be replaced every 5-7 years.

Destruction of adjacent teeth

To place a dental bridge, you have to shave a part of the enamel of the adjacent teeth. This makes the side teeth more vulnerable. In general, the preparation process for a dental bridge is harmful to the adjacent teeth. On the other hand, bridges rely on the side teeth. Therefore, their destruction may also cause the destruction of the bridge.

What is an implant?

An implant is a titanium piece that acts as a tooth root and supports a crown. The implant is surgically implanted inside the jaw bone. After stabilization, the processes of placing the crown on it will be done. There are two types of implants.

  • Endosteal implants
  • Subperiosteal implants

What are the advantages of implants?

Implants also have unique advantages. Some of these advantages make this method superior to placing a dental bridge. In the following sections, you will read about the most important advantages of this method.

Long lasting

If the doctor implants a high-quality implant and the patient takes good care of it, this device will last a long time. In fact, implants can be considered a permanent treatment solution that never needs to be repaired or replaced. It is not difficult to care for it. It is enough to maintain hygiene like a normal tooth.

Natural appearance

One of the most important points that is important for patients is the appearance of the device that is used as a replacement for their teeth. Dental implants are usually made using a material that is very similar to the appearance of a normal tooth. They also have good resistance. The implant restores the beautiful appearance of your smile.

Protection of the jawbone

The lack of replacements for missing teeth causes the bones in the jaw to atrophy. This may affect other teeth as well. If you replace the missing teeth with an implant, the bones will continue their normal life and will not be damaged.

No pressure on the teeth

Unlike dental bridges, implants do not rely on adjacent teeth. Therefore, they do not put pressure on them. This helps to protect the surrounding teeth and if the side teeth are damaged, the implant will not be damaged.

What are the disadvantages of using implants?

In general, there are not many disadvantages to this method. But there are some points that cause problems for a group of patients. That is why it is important to know about them.

Surgery

Implants must be implanted using surgery. For this reason, there are surgical risks that we have mentioned below for implants.

  • Surgical wound infection.
  • nerve damage
  • Damage to surrounding teeth.
  • jaw fracture

Of course, by choosing a professional doctor, the possibility of creating high risks is zero. In addition, it should be noted that some people cannot have surgery for more specific reasons.

Time

Unlike the dental bridge, which is installed in two to three sessions, the implant requires a longer time. Because your bone needs to be repaired. Also, the doctor must make sure that your body does not reject the extra piece of jawbone. In general, the implantation period is 3 months at best. The process of eating and speaking may be difficult for the patient during this time.

Cost

The cost of an implant is higher than a dental bridge. Of course, the cost of this work varies according to the number of implants, the type and conditions of its implantation. But since public insurance does not cover the payment of these costs, some patients cannot afford it.

Which method should we choose?

Now you know the advantages and disadvantages of each method. But you may still have trouble deciding which method is best for you. It is better to make a decision about this with the help of a specialist doctor. In this section, we are going to talk about the characteristics of suitable candidates for dental bridges and implants.

For which people are implants suitable?

  • People who have passed the age of puberty.
  • People who have enough bone density to place the implant.
  • People who are not addicted to smoking or alcohol or quit their addiction do this procedure.
  • People who do not have special diseases such as diabetes, cancer or gum diseases.

Of course, if a person suffers from the diseases mentioned in the last option, the doctor may be able to prepare him for implant placement with additional treatments.

For whom is the dental bridge suitable?

Since the placement of dental bridges is less invasive than implants, it has fewer restrictions than implants. The most important factor for a person to be a good candidate for a dental bridge is the health of the supporting teeth. If these teeth are not healthy, they may need additional treatment to prepare them. It may even be necessary to replace these teeth with implants first and then to place a bridge on them.

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