Single Tooth Replacement: Bridge Vs. Implant

Many patients falsely assume that just one missing tooth is not immediate cause for action, especially if it is out of sight and in the back of the mouth. The truth is that all missing teeth need to be replaced. Even a single missing tooth can cause serious drawbacks to your oral health, including decreased jawbone density, loss of gum tissue, shifting teeth and more missing teeth in some cases.

When it comes to replacing one missing tooth, you basically have two options: a dental implant or a fixed bridge. While both solutions include a custom fabricated crown that is visible to others, it is what lies beneath these two options that sets them apart.

Fixed Bridge

A bridge includes a single prosthetic tooth that fills the gap in your smile. It is attached on either side to crowns that have been placed on healthy adjacent teeth. The false tooth will be fabricated in a single unit with the crowns to act as a “bridge” for your missing tooth. This can be effective in terms of preventing shifting teeth, but it does not address underlying bone loss and other issues.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is the only way to replace the missing tooth from crown to root. Using a small titanium post that is inserted and fused within your jaw, the crown can be firmly secured in place while also providing adequate stimulation to the underlying bone. This prevents bone loss and changes in facial shape over time. While the procedure and healing time involved in getting an implant is more invasive and time-consuming than a bridge, there are priceless benefits that are gained.

Highlighted Benefits of Choosing an Implant

Dental implants offer advantages that a fixed bridge cannot, including the following:

• Implants don’t require altering the structure of adjacent teeth.
• Implants helps retain jaw strength and shape.
• Dental implants look and function like natural teeth.
• Dental implants require no extra maintenance.
• Implants can last for decades, no need to replace them.

If you have a single missing tooth and want an experienced implant dentist, call 1899 Dental Implant today. Our mission is to give patients the best that implant dentistry has to offer, at the affordable cost they deserve.