What Is The Difference Between Dental Bridges And Dental Implants?

If you’re looking into your different options for restoring missing teeth in Fort Mill, Dr. Leah Luck is here to help. At Luck Family Dental, we offer both dental bridges and dental implants in Fort Mill. Not sure what the difference is between these treatments? Learn more below. 

The Basics Of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are built with two dental crowns. These crowns support one or more false teeth (pontics). The two crowns fit onto healthy “abutment teeth” next to one or more missing teeth. Once attached, they hold the false tooth or teeth in place. 

This “bridges” the gap in your smile and restores your teeth, hence the name. Bridges are a great alternative to partial dentures since they’re fixed in place and don’t need to be removed, and they’re a common choice for patients who are missing one or more teeth. 

The Basics Of Dental Implants

Dental implants have two basic components. The implant itself is a small piece of titanium that is surgically implanted into the gums and jaw tissue. Over a period of 3-6 months, this implant permanently bonds with the jaw bone to become an artificial tooth “root.”

To this root, an implant restoration such as a dental crown can be attached. This crown is permanently bonded to the implant, and is designed to look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. Together, the implant and the restoration mimic the natural anatomy of a tooth, creating a very durable and long-lasting tooth replacement.

What Are The Differences Between Bridges & Implants?

There are a number of differences between these two treatments, and we’ve put together a few of the most important ones below. 

• Longevity – Dental implants can last for the rest of your life, but bridges usually last between 10-15 years, so implants are a better long-term option.
  
  
• Treatment time – It will only take 2-3 weeks to get a bridge, but it can take up to 6 months or longer to get implants, so they are a much slower method of tooth replacement.
  
  
• Cost – The cost of a bridge and a single-tooth implant is often comparable, but while bridges are typically covered by insurance, implants usually are not. This may be something to consider when choosing the best way to replace your tooth.
  
  
• Protecting the jaw bone – Dental implants are anchored to the jaw. This means they stimulate the jaw bone and prevent “bone resorption,” which is a common result of tooth loss. Bridges don’t do this, so they don’t protect the health of your jaw bone health.
  
  
• Cleaning & maintenance – Single-tooth implants can be treated just like natural teeth. You can brush and floss normally. Bridges are a bit bulkier, and typically require special cleaning tools and techniques, so they are not quite as convenient.
  

Explore Your Options For Tooth Replacement At Luck Family Dental

If you want to replace one or more missing teeth in Fort Mill, Dr. Leah Luck is here to help. Contact Luck Family Dental online or give us a call at (803) 760 7860 to schedule a consultation right away, and explore your treatment options in further detail.