Newton Dental Bridge Versus Implants

For multiple missing teeth, dental implants are generally your best option. Implants protect you from the dangers of facial collapse and are much more secure. With only one missing tooth, however, there are two good options: a dental implant or a dental bridge. So how do you know which procedure is best for your situation?

A Dental Bridge

Image showing a dental bridge being placed.

When you replace a missing tooth using a dental bridge, it actually involves three teeth—the missing tooth and the two adjacent teeth. A single unit is prepared that contains a false tooth suspended by two crowns. The adjacent teeth are shaved down to make room for the crowns, and the unit is placed on top.

Advantages of a Dental Bridge

  • A bridge costs less than a dental implant.
  • No surgery is required for a bridge.
  • The process is much quicker. With an implant there is a required healing time after surgery before the prosthetic tooth can be placed. A bridge doesn’t require any healing time.
  • If the adjacent teeth already need crowns, it is a simple matter of adding a tooth between them, and you can solve two problems simultaneously.

A Dental Implant

A diagram describing a dental implant. Dr. Stever Bader can replace your missing tooth.

An implant is a more conservative treatment, because it only affects the missing tooth. A root form is surgically placed into your jawbone. After a healing time, a crown is placed onto the root form. During this healing process, your bone grows around the root form, securing it even further.

Advantages of a Dental Implant

  • The implant protects you from bone loss at the site of the extracted tooth. This prevents you from developing a sunken appearance where your tooth was removed.
  • With a bridge you have to shave the adjacent teeth, whether they are healthy or not. Implants allow you to leave your healthy teeth alone.
  • A bridge will put strain on the teeth it is resting on. An implant doesn’t strain any teeth.
  • Maintenance is simpler. With an implant, if there is a cavity on an adjacent tooth, it will simply be a matter of filling the cavity. With a bridge, however, you will likely have to replace the whole bridge to treat the cavity.

If you’re considering dental implants, but aren’t sure if you’re a candidate, you may have a complimentary consultation. You’ll get five to ten minutes to spend with Dr. Bader in order to ask him any questions you have regarding the procedures. If you already know which procedure is best for your situation, you may give our office a call to make an appointment (617-795-7170), or visit our request an appointment page.