How to Decide Between a Dental Implant and a Dental Bridge

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A dental implant and a dental bridge will both replace a missing tooth with a permanent artificial tooth. Here, we’ll look at the similarities and differences between the two and when to choose one over the other.

Comparing Bridges and Implants

Both dental bridges and implants strengthen your mouth, taking the pressure off your remaining teeth and preventing the surrounding teeth from sliding in to take the missing tooth’s place. Unlike a partial denture, you can care for the artificial tooth the same way you care for your regular teeth (with standard brushing and flossing).

Contrasting Bridges and Implants

A bridge relies on your remaining teeth to cement the tooth, meaning you’ll need either one crown or two (depending on location) to hold the artificial tooth. With an implant, a dentist in Windermere, FL fuses a metal post in your jaw to cement the tooth, ensuring the artificial tooth is held by the bone rather than your surrounding (more vulnerable) teeth.

Which One Is Better?

This comes down to both your oral health and personal preferences, but in general you should choose the implant if at all possible. Implants may take longer and cost more, but they act like your natural tooth, which is the best way to ensure long-term oral health. If you have gum or bone damage, though, you may not be eligible for an implant — in which case a bridge would be the best option.

If you’re interested in a dental implant in Windermere, FL, it helps to prepare for the procedure first. While some people can complete the process in just a few weeks, for others, it may take several months. At Inspired Dental, we’re here to help you learn more about your options.