Thanks to the technological advancements and the onset of innovative dental research and developments, teeth replacement has witnessed a significant change in the last two to three decades. Today, several individuals still lack basic knowledge regarding the different dental procedures that are adopted. One important query that dentists frequently answer is, ” What is the difference between a dental bridge and a dental implant?”.
Both treatments provide a fixed tooth for missing tooth. In most cases, dentists deem dental implant higher than dental bridges. Therefore, there are several factors that need consideration before the dentist decides what will work the best for you. Creative Dental Clinic and Implant Centre is one of the leading dental clinics in Pune that offers a wide range of dental services including, dental implants, bridge, root canal, and others.
Dental implants
What are dental implants?
In a dental implant, a tiny cylinder that is made of titanium is placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. The cylinder and the bone tissue form a solid bond and create an artificial root. An artificial tooth is placed over the artificial root.
Why dental implants are better than bridges?
1. Durable
Generally, dental implants are developed so that they last a lifetime. Further, if right measures are taken, replacement may not be necessary.
2. Cost-efficient
As mentioned earlier, as dental implants have a longer lifespan compared to bridges, they prove to be an inexpensive alternative.
3. Preserves the bone
Technically, dental implants are a replacement for tooth roots. Dental implants offer the same functionalities of a natural tooth including, preservation of bone and prevention of bone loss when a tooth is missing.
4. Does not affect other teeth
Dental implants have no impact on the other teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth which happens with bridge. The bridge require unwanted removal of healthy tooth for the reason of support and placing cap.
5. Only fixed option for replacing all or multiple missing teeth
This is the unique treatment option available which replaces all missing natural teeth with fixed teeth. Even the bridge may not be recommended for replacing more than one tooth at the back.
6. Fixes moving denture
Fade up of moving dentures while eating, placing denture on few implants can stop them from moving. This is a boon for all those adult patients who are wearing dentures.
7. Easier to maintain oral hygiene
The crowns that are supported by dental implants can be cleaned in the same way as the natural tooth can be cleaned. Hence, it is easier to maintain oral hygiene.
The disadvantages of dental implants
1. Requires more appointments
The main drawback of opting for dental implants is that it demands multiple appointments compared to the bridge.
2. Little expensive
A dental implant can be little expensive than a dental bridge, to begin with. But if you think about its longevity, they look cheaper than a bridge, as implant may not need any maintenance.
What is a Dental bridge
In this process, a crown is placed over your natural tooth on both the sides of the missing tooth. Further, with the help of a crown, a bridge is created that holds the missing artificial tooth. The artificial tooth is not fixed into the jaw although the gap is covered.
Advantages of a dental bridge
1.Easier to install
It is easier to install
2. Needs fewer appointments
Require less number of appointments compared to implant
3. No surgery
Does not require a surgical procedure
4. Offer protection to the tooth
If the tooth has a heavy filling or is broken, crowning the tooth as a part of a dental bridge would offer protection and also strengthen it at the same time.
Disadvantages of dental bridges
1. It can be destructive
When the tooth is a hundred percent natural, the preparation for installing dental bridges involves trimming supporting natural teeth causing damage and compromise to the health of natural teeth.
2. Damage to the nerves
As the tooth is made ready as a part of the bridge, upto 15 percent lose vitality and could potentially require a root canal treatment in the longer run.
3. Not recommended for replacing more than one tooth at the back
The bridge cannot be paced if 2or more teeth are missing in the backside. The bridge cannot support more than one tooth many times and leads to dislodgement of bridge quite frequently or fracture of supporting teeth because of excessive force on them.
4. Difficult to clean
Dental bridges require added care while cleaning the areas that are under the bridge. If effective cleaning is not carried out, it could lead to the formation of plaque, decay in the neighboring teeth then if kept untreated may go for a root canal or need complete removal.
Therefore, the majority of the patient opt for dental implants over a dental bridge.
No matter what procedure you opt for, we at Creative Dental Clinic and Implant Centre provide world-class quality dental treatment. We are a well-reputed dental clinic in Pune and a go-to place for dental implants in Pune. Our highly professional and experienced team will take special care of your comfort and provide the best possible state of the art dental service.