Dental Bridges vs. Implants: How to Choose the Right Option to Replace Missing Teeth
Ocean Shore Dentistry understands that losing a tooth (or several teeth) can take a significant emotional toll and cause considerable embarrassment. Fortunately, Dr. Ravi Shah and our team in Ocean Township, New Jersey, offer a range of options to replace missing teeth and restore your pride and confidence. These options include dental bridges and implants.
How does a dental bridge replace teeth?
Bridges are a set of connected crowns. These crowns are anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. They may replace one or more teeth. There are different types of crowns, and Dr. Shah can assess factors such as the location of the missing teeth and the condition of neighboring teeth when recommending the most suitable option to rebuild your smile.
What is the difference in cost between a bridge and an implant?
Bridges generally cost less than implants upfront. Implants require additional steps, including the actual surgical placement of the implant posts. The initial cost reflects these additional steps and the expense associated with the implants themselves. However, implant-supported crowns and other restorations are known to be highly durable. With good care, they can last for several years or even the rest of your life. We can discuss these considerations during a consultation, as you may find that implants offer good long-term value despite the higher initial expense. Our team can also discuss payment methods that fit a variety of different budgets, including financing with Cherry or CareCredit® and our in-house membership plans – a money-saving, no-surprises alternative to conventional insurance.
When is a bridge considered?
A bridge may be recommended when the neighboring teeth need crowns or have large fillings. There may be some cases where a patient is not a good candidate for implant surgery or when bone volume is insufficient to support an implant.
Just how is a dental implant different from a bridge?
While bridges rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants function independently of neighboring teeth. The crown, bridge, or denture is supported by an implant, a small post placed in the jawbone. After the implant heals naturally to the surrounding bone, it functions as a tooth root to hold the prosthetic tooth in place.
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Does a bridge damage my other teeth?
With a traditional dental bridge, Dr. Shah usually reshapes the neighboring teeth. This step is necessary so the crowns can fit properly on top of them. To reshape these teeth, he must remove some tooth structure. Since this is an irreversible step, the teeth will always need some coverage or support going forward. When these teeth are already damaged, we can restore and replace them in a single treatment with a dental bridge. It is important to keep the bridge clean, because decay or gum disease can compromise the surrounding teeth.
What is the process like?
After Dr. Shah confirms your suitability for a bridge, the supporting teeth are reshaped. The bridge is then made from impressions/imaging. In many cases, a temporary bridge is applied while a lab makes your permanent one. Once the permanent bridge is ready, a follow-up visit is scheduled. You try on the bridge, adjustments may be made, and it is cemented to the supporting teeth if everything looks and fits well. Implant bridges involve additional steps: placing the implant post and then attaching the bridge to the implant after it has healed/grown to the surrounding bone.
Can I get my dental bridge in a single appointment?
Dental bridges typically require more than one appointment. During your first visit, Dr. Ravi Shah prepares the supporting teeth and gathers the impressions or digital records needed to create your custom bridge. A temporary bridge may be placed while your permanent restoration is being made. Once ready, you will return for a fitting appointment, during which Dr. Shah checks the fit, makes adjustments, and securely places the bridge. Implant-supported bridges require additional appointments for healing. If requested, we can do a bridge in a single visit with materials that are comparable to the strength of porcelain.
How do I care for a bridge or implant?
Along with the usual good brushing, bridges require you to floss under the “false” or prosthetic tooth. We can recommend special floss threaders, interdental brushes, and other products to clean around and under the bridge effectively. We may also recommend special cleaning tools for implant bridges, which can help to keep the gums around these restorations healthy.
Ocean Shore Dentistry can help you find a solution for tooth loss that fits your mouth, health, budget, and lifestyle. Call (732) 466-3966 to schedule your consultation at our Ocean Township, NJ, office today.
