Single Tooth Implants vs. Dental Bridges

Dental implants and bridges are two common tooth restoration options. However, it isn’t unusual for people planning on getting dental implants in Fairhope, AL to wonder which is the better option for them based on their individual goals, oral health, budget, and lifestyle. At Lagniappe Dental, we empower patients with information to help them make the right decision.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a metal bar that is surgically embedded into the jawbone or gum to serve as a replacement tooth root. A tooth-colored porcelain or Zirconia crown is then customized to match your natural teeth and placed on top of this metal root to act as your tooth replacement. The restoration process for a dental implant can take anywhere from 4-7 months.

What Is a Single Tooth Implant?

An estimated 178 million Americans have at least one missing tooth. Single-tooth dental implant restoration is a popular solution, even for seniors. As the name suggests, a single tooth implant refers to one implant and a single crown, used as a unit to fill the space of a missing tooth.

A single-tooth implant can be surgically placed using the endosteal or subperiosteal implant procedure. The patient must have enough jawbone width and depth to undergo endosteal implant restoration.

Modern technology also allows our dentist to use a single implant to support a single-tooth dental bridge.

What are Dental Bridges?

A traditional dental bridge is a removable oral appliance consisting of one or more false teeth. The appliance ‘bridges’ the gap between 1-4 missing teeth. The traditional fixed bridge is the most common. It consists of the ‘pontic’ or false tooth made of ceramic or porcelain fused with metal. Two artificial crowns are attached on either side.

The pontic fills the gap while the two crowns are cemented over the natural teeth on both sides. The crowns hold the pontic in position. With the Maryland dental bridge, the supporting crowns are secured to the back of adjacent teeth using a metal framework.

Pros & Cons

When comparing and contrasting implants and bridges, it really comes down to these critical factors:

• Fit and stability: Both restorations are customized to fit naturally. However, implants offer greater support and stability than a pontic resting on your gum.

• Functionality and durability: Implants can withstand grinding and chewing with a lower risk of damage to the crown, compared to bridges.

• Longevity: Dental bridges need maintenance and last about 7-10 years. Implants can last a lifetime with proper oral care.

• Appearance: Implants are natural-looking and more aesthetically pleasing than bridges anchored by visible metal ‘wings’.

• Oral structure: Unlike bridges, implants do not interfere with the health of neighboring teeth. They also preserve the surrounding bone.

• Tooth health: With proper oral care, implants are resistant to decay. Bridges are susceptible to decay under the supporting crowns.

• Treatment timeline: Bridges take a shorter time to complete and there’s no need for surgery. A single tooth implant requires a longer process that involves surgery and a lengthy healing time.

• Cost and Insurance: Dental implants cost more upfront but may turn out more cost-effective in the long term than bridges. Replacing your dental bridge every 7-10 years drives up the lifetime cost. Insurance coverage is another advantage for bridges.

Smile Transformations

Transforming your smile with bridges or dental implants in Fairhope, AL has never been easier. Dr. David Bruce will do a thorough oral assessment and help you weigh the pros and cons. Whatever your choice between a single tooth implant and dental bridges, we’re committed to providing the right treatments and services to match your smile goals. Call 251-225-4753 or request an appointment online. Ask about our Dental Savings Plan!

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