Comparing a dental bridge vs. an implant from your Dayton area dentist

There is nothing like a full set of healthy, natural teeth. If a tooth or teeth are lost to disease or some type of physical trauma, the goal of replacement is optimal replication of natural structure. With this in mind, it pays to compare treatment with a dental bridge vs. that with a dental implant. In our Dayton area practice, we tailor treatment to the needs of each patient, making recommendations with the goal of lifelong restoration.

For decades, dentists have restored function and aesthetics using dental bridges. These devices have the potential to last upwards of twenty years. However, many people find that bridgework needs to be replaced as often as every five years. The longevity of a dental bridge is dependent on a number of factors, which means that your dentist can rarely predict just how long your restoration will last. Some of the factors that affect dental bridgework include:

• Health of natural teeth serving as anchors. A dental bridge is two crowns fused to an artificial tooth or teeth. Each crown is affixed to a healthy tooth on each side of the gap. Should a cavity form underneath a crown, or gum disease develop in the area of these crowns, the success of bridgework is threatened.
• Size plays a role in longevity, with larger dental bridges being more easily broken than a bridge for a single tooth restoration.
• Bite force varies from person to person. Some people even clench or grind their teeth when they sleep. Forceful biting can place undue strain on a bridge, leading to the need for replacement sooner rather than later.

Oral hygiene is a primary factor in the success of dental work. Oral hygiene habits will either increase or decrease the risk of cavity formation under a bridge, as well as the development of gum disease. The problem that many people experience with bridgework is that it can be challenging to adequately brush and floss around and under the artificial tooth.

The new alternative to restoration with a dental bridge is the dental implant. Both dentists and patients prefer this option due to the fact that only dental implants are permanent restorations, requiring no replacement through years of regular use.

By replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant, surrounding teeth are left fully intact because support comes from the integration of the implant into healthy jawbone tissue. Due to the fact that an implant is a solitary restoration, maintaining excellent oral health through daily oral hygiene is easier.

We work with our patients to design the optimal treatment plan for their best smiles. Contact Alex Bell Dental to see how implant treatment can benefit you.