Dental Implants vs. Bridges or Dentures
Portland, OR
 Tooth loss is a common condition among adults. According to research, 69 percent of people between 35 and 44 years of age have lost at least one permanent tooth.
When you lose a tooth, it is crucial to choose a reliable replacement option to ensure that the neighboring teeth remain aligned. Dental implants, bridges, and dentures are the most popular treatment options for tooth loss.
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a screw-like titanium post that serves as a replacement for tooth roots. It provides a sturdy foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth that are designed to blend in with your natural teeth.
Having a dental implant fixed to your jawbone functions almost like a natural tooth. As it is made of titanium, the jawbone automatically grows around it to provide stability. Dental implant is a long-term solution with a success rate of nearly 98%.
Pros of Dental Implants
Wondering if dental implants are a good option for you? Here are some of implant advantages:
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They are fixed to your jawbone, making them a durable solution.
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Your speech and eating is not affected as implants feel just like natural teeth.
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They blend in with the surrounding teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable.
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Being effective root replacements, implants reduce the chance of bone loss. |
Cons of Dental Implants
Although dental implants provide a reliable solution to your dental needs, there are some challenges you need to be aware of:
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It may take up to 6 months for implants to bond with the jawbone.
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Although implant complications are not too common, there is a possibility of gum infection after implants are inserted.
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Some people may not have adequate jawbone to support an implant and may require a bone graft. |
What Are Dental Bridges?
Bridges help close the gaps between teeth that are caused by a missing tooth. This is why restoration requires anchoring to the surrounding teeth.
Bridges are not a tooth replacement method like implants. They simply use one or more of your neighboring teeth, as support for fixing a crown fills the missing tooth socket.
Pros of Bridges
Bridges are a relatively old tooth loss treatment, and are still widely used by dentists across the world. Their benefits include:
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If you have diabetes, dental implants may fail as wound healing is often slow. In this case, dental bridges would be a better option for you.
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Bridges typically cost less than implants.
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Bone grafting is never required to install bridges.
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Getting bridges in place is a faster procedure than dental implants. |
Cons of Bridges
Here are some disadvantages of getting dental bridges:
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Crowns need to be placed over healthy teeth in order to install bridges.
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Maryland bridges may result in damage to permanent teeth as they involve metal cementing.
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Bridges cannot rectify jawbone loss.
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Bridges are not as long-lasting as implants. |
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances that are used to replace missing teeth and nearby tissue. They are designed to perfectly fit the shape and size of your jaw.
Dentures are an effective solution for people who have lost their teeth due to injury or decay. Complete dentures are chosen when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some permanent teeth still remain inside the mouth.
Pros of Dentures
Here are some of the major benefits of opting for dentures:
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Dentures look cohesive and can restore complete rows of teeth.
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Dentures can be opted for even when your teeth and jaw may not be in the best shape.
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It is easy to maintain dentures as they can be quickly rinsed. |
Cons of Dentures
While dentures prove to be a helpful teeth replacement option for many, there are some disadvantages that you need to know before you finalize your decision:
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Dentures are prone to wear and tear and need to be replaced after a certain time period.
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Multiple dentist visits may be required to create and fix dentures.
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They may reduce your ability to taste food as they cover the upper palate of your mouth.
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Some people may suffer constant gagging if they do not adjust to their dentures. |
Dental implants, bridges, and dentures are all effective tooth replacement procedures. Dental implants are more suitable when you only have a single tooth missing, while bridges are a better decision when you have more than one missing tooth. Dentures, on the other hand, are preferable when most of your teeth are missing or when you lack a healthy jawbone for support. If you are suffering from tooth loss, schedule an appointment with us at Portland City Dental by calling us at (503) 256-7917 today. |
