Dental implant or dental bridge?

In most cases, patients with partial or total edentulousness (one or more missing teeth) have to choose between a classic work by making a dental bridge, or can opt for a modern treatment with a dental implant . But the best choice for each patient is made after a specialist consultation and a treatment plan established by mutual agreement between the patient and the dentist.

Dental bridge

• Both the bridge and the implant are indicated for the replacement of a missing tooth, only that to make a bridge, two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are sanded.
• A dental bridge is more difficult to sanitize because of the bridge body (suspended tooth) where access is more difficult and involves more effort than just flossing.
• The lifespan of a dental bridge is about 7-15 years if it is performed correctly by a specialist and the patient is attentive to oral hygiene.
• The duration of treatment is 3 to 5 visits to the dentist, if canal treatments are also needed.
• Dental bridge requires more careful maintenance, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and a visit to the dentist every 6 months. It is also recommended to limit the consumption of sugar and starch-containing products, as they turn into acids that attack teeth and gums.

Dental implant

• A dental implant does not require grinding neighboring teeth.
• Durability – Dental implants are more durable than bridges, and if properly cared for and sanitized, they can last a lifetime.
• Aesthetics – In the frontal area (front teeth) the bridges can be unsightly, while an implant made correctly and immediately post-extraction can provide a 100% natural look.
• Costs – A dental implant is more expensive in the first phase, but if we consider that dental bridges need to be replaced after a certain number of years, we will realize that in fact the treatment with dental implants will have lower costs in the long run.
• Duration of treatment – insertion of the dental implant and the crown requires about 3 visits to the dentist.
• Maintenance – Proper brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.

But regardless of whether you choose a dental bridge or a dental implant, it is important to remember that postponing dental treatments leads to aggravation of the initial situation and implicitly to the increase of subsequent costs.

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