Losing a tooth or living with multiple missing teeth can be a harrowing experience. It not only disturbs your smile but also compromises your chewing ability and speech. Living with missing teeth makes you lose your self-confidence; makes you look much older as it enhances the appearance of wrinkles and can derange your facial proportions. Therefore, it is of the essence that you get your missing teeth replaced as quickly as possible. Thanks to the significant advances in dentistry, there are a plethora of tooth replacement options available. This can leave you confused; that is why we’ve broken down the difference between a dental implant and a dental bridge in this post.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically placed in your jawbone via a small incision in the gums. Dental implants are manufactured from medical-grade titanium, which guarantees its safety and biocompatibility. Once placed inside the jawbone, the dental implant takes 3-6 months to integrate and become one with the bone. This acts as a foundation over which a dental crown, bridge or denture is fixed. Dental implants offer a permanent tooth replacement solution as they are firmly anchored to the jawbone and give a natural appearance.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are a traditional and time-tested method of replacing missing teeth. A dental bridge takes the support of adjacent teeth present on either side of the missing teeth area. As the name suggests, it bridges the gap between two teeth. With the help of a dental crown, an artificial tooth is placed, which acts as a replacement for the missing tooth or teeth.
What is the Difference Between a Dental Implant and a Dental Bridge?
To place a dental bridge, adjacent teeth have to be prepared to receive a dental crown as the artificial tooth is suspended and takes the support of the present teeth. In contrast, a dental implant derives its support directly from the bone without disturbing the adjacent teeth.
This makes an implant a much better option as no other teeth is impacted. The procedure of placing a dental implant is much more extensive as it requires surgery. The waiting period is also long. However, a dental bridge placement can be concluded within a few weeks. An implant is a permanent fixed solution; once placed and healed, you can very well forget about it.
Dental implants are made to last a lifetime with proper oral health care. However, dental bridges are not a permanent teeth replacement option and have to be replaced every 5-10 years. Dental bridges can also dislodge upon eating a sticky or hard food substance as they are placed with the help of dental cement. Compared to dental bridges, dental implants are a slightly expensive teeth replacement option.
However, the added cost of dental implants is a one-time expenditure since they are permanent in contrast to the cheaper option of dental bridges, which require much more maintenance and more frequent replacements. It can be tempting to opt for a cheaper and less invasive teeth replacement; however, you must also consider the longevity and functioning of the replacement option you choose.
Dental implants placed by our dentist restores complete chewing and speech capability. It is much more stable and functionally superior to dental bridges. Dental implants also look and feel more natural than dental bridges. Dental implants are known to stop bone shrinking, thus helps maintain facial proportions, giving a more youthful appearance. These benefits are not available with a dental bridge.
Treatment Process
Dental Implants Once you come in for your dental appointment, our Markham dentist will do a thorough dental examination and suggest teeth replacement options suited to your situation. For dental implant placement, x-rays and CBCT are advised, which are used to analyze the quality of the jawbone. If you have less amount of jawbone, our dentist will recommend you go for bone grafting procedures.
In the next appointment, a small incision is made on your gums with the help of a surgical blade. A series of specialized dental drills are used to create space for the implant. After this, the dental implant is placed in this space, and gums are stitched. Implants are allowed to heal over three months, after which a dental crown or denture is fixed over the implants.
Dental Bridge After a careful evaluation, our Markham dentist will select the teeth from which the support will be harnessed for dental bridge placement. They will then shape the teeth chosen with the help of dental drills and prepare them for receiving a crown. Next, an impression of your teeth is taken and sent to the dental lab, where your dental bridge is cast and made. Once your prosthesis is ready, you will be called for your final appointment, where the dental bridge will be fixed with the help of dental cement.
Which Treatment Procedure is Better for You?
To answer this question, we must also consider the state of your oral and general health. The amount of jawbone present will also dictate which treatment is better for you. However, seeing the long-term impact of both the treatment protocols, dental implants placed by our dentist offer a more permanent and convenient teeth replacement. Dental implant placement is extensive and a little expensive, but it is a one-time affair; once placed, they do not dislodge and last a lifetime. They require minimum maintenance and give a more appealing and natural smile.
Dental implants put in by our specialists are stable and restores your oral function while protecting your bone. However, the treatment which will be more suited to you will be best determined by both you and our Markham dentist. Please schedule an appointment with us to find out the best tooth replacement option for you. If you have any questions or would like to know more about our emergency dental services, please contact us, and our team of exceptional dental professionals will be there to help you achieve your perfect smile.