Dental Bridges Vs Dental Implants

Tooth loss has many causes. You can lose teeth due to gum disease, facial trauma, bruxism, severe tooth decay, and more. No matter if the tooth falls out on its own or if it needs to be extracted, losing even just one tooth has several significant effects on your entire life. When you have suffered tooth loss, it is imperative that the tooth be replaced as soon as possible. At Gregory A. Williams, DMD, PC, we can replace a missing tooth with a dental bridge or with dental implants.

Rendering of a dental bridge

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a traditional restoration used for replacing a single missing tooth, although it can be used to replace up to 3 consecutive missing teeth. There are a few different types of bridges, including cantilever, Maryland, and fixed. Fixed bridges are the most common type used. Typically made from ceramic or porcelain, fixed bridges consist of a pontic, or replacement: a tooth that fills in the empty space left behind by your missing tooth. The pontic tooth has a crown on each side. These crowns are used to attach the restoration to your adjacent teeth. These crowns act as anchors, holding your bridge securely in place.

Benefits and Drawbacks of a Dental Bridge

A bridge provides several benefits. These benefits include:

•	Restoring your ability to eat. When you can bite and chew properly, your digestion and overall nutrition are improved.
•	Your speech is restored.
•	Your oral health is improved.
•	Bite pressures are evened out, which reduces your risk of tooth damage.
•	Your smile is improved or maintained.

There are also a few disadvantages to dental bridges as well. Disadvantages include:

•	The abutment teeth need to be prepared, or reduced in size, for your bridge to fit properly with the rest of your teeth.
•	Your bridge relies on your adjacent teeth for support.
•	A bridge cannot stop bone loss in your jaw. Your jaw continues to lose mass and weaken. Eventually, your bridge will need to be changed.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a modern solution used to replace missing teeth. This treatment uses small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone. As you heal, your bone fuses to the posts, integrating them into your jaw. They eventually become stable roots that hold your replacement teeth securely in place. Dental implants are a versatile treatment that can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, including a single tooth.

Benefits and Drawbacks of a Dental Implant

Dental implants provide several benefits. These benefits include:

•	Your replacement tooth is made from ceramic and looks exactly like the rest of your real teeth.
•	There is no need to alter the natural structure of your surrounding teeth.
•	The implant post provides strong, stable support for your replacement tooth.
•	The post restores stimulation to your jawbone, helping to stop and prevent bone loss in your jaw.

While implants provide several benefits, there are also a few drawbacks as well.

•	Getting your implant requires surgery.
•	It can take several weeks to recover following surgery.
•	If you do not have enough bone mass in your jaw, a bone graft may be required first.
•	An implant is generally more expensive than a bridge and may not be covered by insurance. Contact your dental insurance provider to find out if an implant is covered and, if so, how much is covered.

Call to schedule your consultation

If you have lost a tooth, treatment is needed right away. To learn more about your options, and find out which one is right for you, call Gregory A. Williams, DMD, PC today at 503-620-2020.

Discover more about Dental Implants

•	Benefits of dental implants
•	Why choose dental implants?
•	Are you a candidate for dental implants?
•	How long do dental implants last?
•	Dental bridges vs dental implants

Dr. Gregory A. Williams at Gregory A. Williams, DMD, PC

Location
11820 SW King James Pl Ste. 40
Tigard, OR 97224-2481

Hours
Monday: 8am – 5pm
Tuesday: 7am – 3pm
Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
Thursday: 7am – 3pm
Friday: Closed

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Gregory A. Williams DMD | www.dentistintigard.com | 503-620-2020
11820 SW King James Pl Ste 40 Tigard, OR 97224