What is the difference between implants and bridges

To learn more about dental implants and bridges, or to schedule an appointment to select the option that's right for you, we invite you to give us a call! Eau Claire Eric Carlson Dr. Derek Rognlien Dr.

A healthy dental implant or fixed bridge can restore your confidence, smile, and face shape, and it can also help you bite and chew more evenly. This is also an important question that many patients ask. Once a dental implant is fused to the bone, the survival rate of that implant is the same if not greater as your other teeth. However, location of the implant also matters when determining how long the implant will last.

For example, implants in the back of the mouth might not last as long as those in the front. This is because implants in the back tend to wear down because of chewing. For a fixed bridge, the lifetime survival rate has been shown to be around half of that of a natural tooth or dental implant.

Depending on good oral hygiene and a good diet, a fixed bridge can last between five and 15 years. However, it might eventually need to be replaced. Any dentist who is properly trained in implant placement, such as those at Dean Dental Solutions, can do the job. A dental specialist is not necessarily needed to place a dental implant. A portion of your natural tooth remains beneath it and normal wear may cause the bridge to fail more easily over time. In general, the remaining tooth structure continues to be susceptible to decay and gum disease.

What about aesthetics? There isn't always a simple answer, but your dentist or prosthodontist — the latter specializes in crown, implants and bridges — will be able to advise you.

Often the implant will provide the most pleasing result, as your dentist can make the final tooth look just like your natural enamel. Sometimes, an implant can be placed immediately after a tooth extraction, preserving the natural level of bone and improving the final appearance of the dental work. The cost of the dental bridge is initially less, but it may need to be replaced at some point in the future. Implants — from preparation to final placement — may seem more expensive, but over time can be more cost-effective.

Fortunately, most dental insurance providers are paying for a portion of or all of the steps involved. In addition, implant treatment can be more flexible, allowing patients to budget the cost in increments.

After extraction, for example, a bone graft is sometimes needed. This graft typically has to heal for several months before implant placement, at which point osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months before the process is complete.

So, dental bridge vs. Make this decision after consulting with your dentist. He or she knows your mouth best and has the tools and knowledge to guide you through what's best for it. Although bridges are an older procedure, dental implants have become more commonplace over the years, and in most cases are the preferable treatment both in time and expense. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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