When you lose a tooth, replacing it can help restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably. Two common options for replacing missing teeth are dental bridges and dental implants.

Although both can provide an effective replacement for a missing tooth, they work in different ways. Understanding the differences can help you discuss which option may be appropriate for your individual needs.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It uses the teeth next to the space to support an artificial tooth, creating a bridge across the gap.

Traditional bridges typically involve placing crowns on the neighbouring teeth, with the replacement tooth attached between them.

How Does a Dental Bridge Work?

The teeth supporting the bridge are prepared so that the restoration can fit securely over them. The replacement tooth, known as a pontic, fills the space left by the missing tooth.

Once the bridge is placed, it remains fixed in position and can help restore normal chewing and speaking.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Can replace one or more missing teeth.
• Can restore chewing and speaking function.
• Can improve the appearance of your smile.
• Does not require implant surgery.
• Can often be completed in a shorter period than implant treatment.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small post that is placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone, it can support a crown or another dental restoration.

Because an implant is anchored in the jawbone, it can provide a stable foundation for replacing a missing tooth.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

Dental implant treatment generally takes place over several stages. The implant is first placed into the jawbone, where it needs time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone.

Once healing has taken place, an abutment and dental crown can be attached to complete the restoration.

The overall treatment time varies depending on your individual circumstances, oral health, and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting are required.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Can replace both the visible tooth and its root.
• Provides a stable foundation for a replacement tooth.
• Does not require neighbouring teeth to support the replacement tooth.
• Can help maintain the jawbone around the missing tooth.
• Can provide a natural-looking and comfortable tooth replacement.

Bridges vs. Implants: What’s the Difference?

Both bridges and implants can replace missing teeth, but there are important differences between the two treatments.

• Support: A traditional bridge is supported by neighbouring teeth, while an implant is anchored directly into the jawbone.
• Neighbouring teeth: Supporting teeth generally need to be prepared for a traditional bridge. An implant can replace a tooth without using adjacent teeth for support.
• Surgery: Implant treatment involves a surgical procedure, while a traditional bridge does not require implant surgery.
• Jawbone: An implant replaces the root of the missing tooth and can help maintain the bone around the implant site.
• Treatment time: Bridges can often be completed more quickly, while implants require a healing period before the final restoration is placed.
• Maintenance: Both options require good oral hygiene and regular dental care to maintain the health of the restoration and surrounding tissues.

Which Option Is Right for You?

There is no single tooth replacement option that is right for every patient. Your dentist will consider your oral health, the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and your individual goals when discussing treatment options.

Factors to Consider

Several factors may influence whether a bridge or implant is more appropriate for you, including:

• The number and location of missing teeth
• The health of the neighbouring teeth
• The amount and condition of available jawbone
• Your gum health
• Your overall health and medical history
• Your treatment preferences
• The expected treatment time
• Your budget and dental benefits

Replacing Missing Teeth Can Protect Your Oral Health

Replacing a missing tooth is about more than restoring the appearance of your smile. A missing tooth can affect chewing, speaking, the position of neighbouring teeth, and the way your bite functions.

Replacing the missing tooth can help restore function and make it easier to maintain your oral health.

Discuss Your Options With Our Dental Team

If you are missing a tooth or expect to need a tooth removed, our team can discuss the available replacement options with you.

At Scarborough Village Dental Care, we take the time to understand your needs and explain the advantages and considerations of different treatments so you can make an informed decision about your dental care.