If you need teeth replacement, options to choose from are undoubtedly available. Two popular restorative solutions to replace missing teeth are dental implants and bridges. How can you decide which one is suitable for your situation?
Dental implants are fake tooth cores made from titanium embedded into your jawbone in the edentulous gap in your jaw. While the titanium post integrates with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, a temporary protective cover screw is placed on the implant. Dental implants near you require three to six months to complete osseointegration to create an incredibly stable and durable prosthetic. After completing osseointegration, the protective cover over the implant is replaced with a temporary crown. The temporary placement serves as a template as your gums grow and shape naturally around it. The process for dental implants is completed when a permanent porcelain crown replaces the temporary crown.
Dental bridges are non-invasive because they don’t replace your tooth root. Instead, bridges require one or more surrounding teeth for support as dental crowns are anchored to them to fill the space left by the missing tooth. Receiving dental bridges is relatively more straightforward and not as lengthy as the procedure for dental implants West Palm Beach. However, the teeth neighboring the missing tooth need alteration to support the bridge indicating that the restoration needs anchoring to one or more adjacent teeth by removing the tooth structure to function as a supporting prosthetic. Although not as invasive as dental implant bridges permanently damage your natural teeth when having them.
Implants and bridges have some eligibility requirements that you must meet to qualify as a candidate. Your eligibility is determined during your initial treatment consultation with the dentist near me.
You can have dental implants if you have completed bone growth past adolescence. Your dentist will likely evaluate bone density and quality by taking x-rays and CT scans to determine whether you have sufficient bone structure to qualify as a patient. If you smoke, you must quit the habit because tobacco, besides impacting your overall health, also result in implant failure. If you have diabetes, periodontal disease, et cetera, you might need additional treatments to qualify for dental implants.
The criteria for dental bridges are not restrictive as dental implants. The non-invasive nature of getting dental bridges and the shorter time required for the procedure make getting bridges a comfortable option. The soundness and resilience of the supporting teeth determine your candidacy for dental bridge treatment. However, if you suffer from periodontal disease or have tooth decay or chips and cracks on the supporting teeth, you might need additional treatments to strengthen your teeth to support the bridge.
Price is often a consideration when choosing a suitable option for replacing missing teeth. However, when comparing dental implants vs. Bridges, the costs can deceive you.
Dental implants are expensive, and the cost for the titanium post is between $ 900-$ 3000. The price mentioned does not include the charges of the surgery, anesthesia, dental crown, and any other treatments you might need before getting this replacement solution.
In contrast, dental bridges cross between $ 700-$ 1500 but require three dental crowns to replace one missing tooth. Therefore the final prices for a dental bridge can range between $ 2100-$ 4500.
When you consider the dental implant procedure restrictive, requires significantly longer to complete, and costs twice as much as bridges, you might ask yourself why you should consider implants over bridges. The answer to your question is mentioned below for your reference.
Dental bridges remain in your mouth for a decade or more before needing replacements. On the other hand, dental implants last four nearly four decades or longer if cared for appropriately. Therefore you must choose carefully when selecting teeth replacement solutions to invest in a treatment that lasts longer instead of needing replacements after ten years.
Dental implants require more time to complete the procedure and cost you more than dental bridges. However, over your lifetime, implants might save you time and money by giving you the natural-looking and functioning teeth replacements remaining with you for life.
If looking to replace your missing teeth, we recommend you have a consultation with John S Ledakis, DDS, PA, to determine your candidacy for either procedure and choose one best suited for your needs.