If you’ve lost a tooth, you’ve probably been advised that a dental implant is the “best way” to replace it–and maybe you’ve wondered why. While it’s true that dental implants do cost a bit more than a traditional single tooth replacement (bridge and crown), that’s not why we recommend them!
A dental implant is a fully functioning replacement for your tooth that does not affect the health of your other teeth. It will also last far longer than a bridge, and will usually require less maintenance. Beyond those benefits, a dental implant helps you preserve the structure and health of your jaw.
Have you lost a tooth? Whether you choose a bridge or single dental implant, it’s critical that you have the tooth replaced sooner rather than later. Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center for an appointment and we’ll explain your tooth replacement options. Contact us online or at 580-255-4880 for a Duncan and Velma, OK dentist.
Dental Bridge Vs. Implant and Crown
For years, the bridge and crown procedure was the standard way to replace one or more consecutive teeth. Using the teeth surrounding your gap, a bridge structure is created to hold a false tooth in place at the site of the missing tooth. The teeth on the ends are crowned, and a prosthetic tooth (or two) is connected to those crowns to replace the function of the tooth you lost. This one-piece construction looks natural and stabilizes the teeth, so they don’t shift toward the gap and upset your tooth alignment.
A dental bridge attaches to the teeth adjacent to your gap.
In recent decades, the single dental implant has replaced the dental bridge as the preferred treatment for a lost tooth. Why? Dentists recommend implants because they last longer, don’t rely on the health of other teeth, and preserve bone mass in the jaw.
Benefits of an Implant and Crown
Whenever a tooth root is lost from the jaw, the body stops supporting the underlying bone beneath the teeth. Instead of sending vital minerals to continue building healthy bone mass in the jaw, the body sends them elsewhere. When you see someone who has worn dentures for many years, you notice a “shrunken” appearance to the jaw and chin. This is due to a process called jawbone resorption and it happens 100 percent of the time. It may occur slowly, over a period of a decade or more, but it is inevitable when teeth are lost.
One missing tooth may not affect your whole jaw, but it will initiate bone resorption at the site of your lost tooth. You want to avoid this, if at all possible. A dental bridge does not stop jawbone resorption, but a dental implant will.
Key Differences to Consider
As you consider tooth replacement options, these are the most significant differences you want to think about.
- A dental bridge lasts about 8-10 years; an implant usually lasts decades and rarely needs replacement.
- A dental bridge can be created and placed in weeks; an implant may take 3-6 months.
- A dental implant and crown requires a surgical procedure and a period of healing.
- Dental implants cost more than dental bridges.
- A bridge will remove much of the tooth enamel from the teeth adjacent to your gap.
- A bridge depends on the health of surrounding teeth. If one tooth fails, the whole bridge fails.
Which Tooth Replacement Option is Right for Me?
Ultimately, patients should make their own decisions about their oral health, so the choice is yours. If the higher cost discourages you from considering an implant, let us know. We hope you will give us the chance to contact your insurer to find out what amount is coverable.
At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to receive high-quality dental treatments at affordable prices. For this reason, we accept CareCredit payments and can provide you with an in-office payment plan and budget-friendly options.
If you are trying to decide between an implant and dental bridge, make an appointment at our Duncan, OK dental office and we’ll provide you with a written treatment plan for both options. Our patient care coordinator will help you determine how much will be covered by your insurer and consider payment options.
