What is the Difference Between Implant and Bridge?
Implants and bridges are permanent and non-removable replacements for your missing tooth. However, the major difference between the restorations is how they are held in place. Dental Implants use metal posts surgically fixed to the bone in your jaw.
Bridges use tooth-shaped attachments that use dental crowns and are cemented on the teeth that you already have. Before you can choose either, a dentist near you will examine your dental structure and choose a suitable option.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jaw to restore structures of the mouth like teeth and bone.
Dental implants are made up of titanium alloy mesh, so they are strong enough to support large amounts of weight.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are artificial tooth supports that are often used to replace missing teeth. They are made of metal, ceramic, or polymers bonded together with cement.
Dental bridges can be used to support natural teeth, making them more durable and resistant to fracturing than dentures. Dental bridges also offer stability and retention of the natural tooth structure.
They may also be used in conjunction with dental implants, most precisely implant-retained bridges.
What are Implant-retained Bridges?
Implant-retained bridges near Venice are implants that are placed in the jaw of the patient. The bridge is typically composed of titanium and an abutment on either side of the mouth. The restorations provide sturdiness and flexibility for patients with different mouth shapes or injuries that affect their teeth.
What Are the Differences Between Dental Posts (implants) and Bridges?
Choosing to get dental implants or bridges can be challenging because they are both good options for replacing lost teeth. Here are some of the differences to help you decide which treatment is best for your smile:
1. Implant Vs. Bridges Cost
Dental bridges are affordable than implants, and insurance is more likely to cover at least some of the cost. The prices, however, can vary depending on how intricate an implant or bridge is crafted.
The low-range dental bridge costs about $500 per tooth, and the more expensive bridges are up to $1,200 per tooth. The price, however, depends on the material of the crown.
Dental implants cost about $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth. The expense of implants is more because of the time involved in fixing the implants. Moreover, it contains different parts–screw, abutment, and crowns (need to be made in the lab).
2. Implant Vs. Bridges— Length of treatment
Dental bridges require about two dental visits to be fixed- the first visit is for preparation and the second for fixing the bridges.
The dental implants need several dental visits spread through a couple of months. The procedure may be longer if you get a bone graft.
Is Implant Better Than Bridge?
Deciding between a bridge and an implant can be challenging, and that is why it is important to consult a dentist in Venice. The factors that are considered when choosing either replacement option include:
- Bone density
Bone density is a crucial factor of consideration when it comes to choosing implants. Before Dr. C. Romesh Weerasooriya fixes implants, he will first examine your jaw bone. If you lack the recommended bone support, a bone graft may be done. Alternatively, the dentist will choose a different type of implant (subperiosteal) or treatment altogether.
- Number of missing teeth
If you’re missing more than one tooth, a dental bridge is a good option. It’s less invasive and can be attached with just one surgery, allowing you to save money and skip the unnecessary implants.
- Overall health
Dental implants are recommended for anyone with missing teeth due to decay or injury. However, some people may not be eligible for dental implants due to medical conditions that slow down healing. The best candidates for dental implants are in good health with no major medical issues that would affect the healing process, such as diabetes or leukemia. Also, you need to have healthy lifestyle habits, like not smoking.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Tarpon Shores Dental for more information on the difference between implants and bridges.