When you are trying to decide on the dental bridge vs implant issue, the answer is not always obvious. Many factors affect this decision. Dr. Perry and his team will offer you information about the pros and cons of each method of treatment and how they apply to your individual situation.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants do not require alteration of the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth site, unlike dental bridges. If anything happens to any of the teeth involved with the bridge, the entire bridge will have to be replaced, whereas with a dental implant, only one tooth requires treatment.
Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth, and can be cared for more simply. Dental bridges require special devices to floss, and decay of the crowned teeth can be a problem.
Advantage of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges generally take less time to complete, and are simpler to place than dental implants. All dentists should be able to competently place a functional dental bridge.
Remember, though, that functional does not necessarily mean beautiful. Many dentists are concerned only with how a restoration works, and care very little for how it looks. While you certainly want a restoration to be functional, choosing the right dentist will make sure it is also natural looking and attractive.
Dental bridges usually require less healing time than dental implants, though improvements and advancements in dental implant technology continue to shorten the length of time required for the root form to heal.