Replacing a tooth when it comes loose can be achieved with dental implants and bridges, two of the more common methods for replacing missing teeth. However, which one is the right pick for your needs?
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium alloy or ceramic that is anchored where the missing tooth was originally located. It is surgically inserted into the jawbone, allowing the dentist to affix a dental crown to it to replace the missing tooth.
Once a dental implant is placed, it will take a few weeks to a few months to heal properly, a process called osseointegration. Once you have sufficiently healed, the dentist can place the prosthetic tooth, and you should be able to chew food and speak confidently. Your general health may influence your overall recovery time and the implant’s overall lifespan.
Besides the cosmetic benefits, dental implants also restore your ability to chew, prevent the jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss, and preserve your overall oral health, especially for the surrounding bone and gums. As long as you maintain your oral hygiene and attend regular dental exams to assess your oral condition, dental implants can last a fairly long time.
How Do Dental Bridges Function?
Dental bridges are often used to permanently replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is formed from two primary components: the replacement tooth, called a pontic, made of a durable material such as porcelain or zirconia, and the abutments that support the pontic on either side. The abutments are permanently bonded to your natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth’s position, while the pontic is positioned between the abutments to fill the gap.
Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and gum by performing an intra-oral scan of your mouth, allowing your bridge to be made to closely replicate your mouth’s shape and structure. It may also require removing the enamel from the natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth, allowing the abutments to fit properly to stabilise the bridge. Removing tooth enamel is irreversible, so your natural teeth will require artificial crowns to support the dental bridge effectively; otherwise, it may result in a fracture that could weaken the bridge.
Differentiating Dental Implants and Bridges
While both methods replace a missing tooth (or teeth), dental implants and bridges differ in several ways.
General Structure
A dental implant requires the surgical insertion of the prosthetic implant post to fit the new replacement crown, necessitating the use of a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Once completed, the dental implant will mimic a natural tooth. Dental implants are generally considered for replacing a single missing tooth and for ensuring a secure, long-lasting fit.
A dental bridge is often considered an invasive procedure because it requires trimming tooth enamel to properly anchor the abutments that support the bridge. The abutments will fit over the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and support the pontic, which will closely resemble a normal row of teeth. Since they use anchor points to hold the pontic in place, dental bridges may replace multiple consecutive lost teeth.
Procedure Time
Dental implants take several months to complete, beginning with the surgical procedure to place the implant in the space left by the missing tooth, followed by several months of healing to facilitate osseointegration. Once healing is complete, the implant’s crown can be installed to finalise the process.
Dental bridges, on the other hand, may be completed over a few days or weeks. Once your dental impressions are taken, the abutment teeth are reshaped while the permanent bridge is
prepared by a dental clinic or lab. You may be given a temporary dental bridge until the permanent one is ready; it will require a test fit to ensure your comfort before it is permanently bonded in place.
Durability & Longevity
Because they incorporate high-durability materials like titanium, dental implants may last 15 years or longer. Dental implants can also withstand the forces of regular chewing.
In contrast, dental bridges may last anywhere from five to fifteen years, though proper dental care may allow them to last longer. However, dental bridges may spread pressure from chewing or other actions to your adjacent teeth, which could weaken the bridge. If the abutment teeth are not strong enough to support the bridge, due to bone loss or tooth decay, it could also cause complications. Restorative treatments will be needed in such cases to maintain the bridge’s condition.
Pain & Discomfort
The local anaesthetic during the dental implant installation will help to ease any pain you may experience, but as it subsides, you may gradually experience some swelling and pain. These should gradually disappear after a few days of rest and aftercare. Thereafter, your dental implant(s) may feel just like your natural teeth, since they closely replicate natural tooth roots.
Conversely, a dental bridge procedure does not involve significant surgical intervention apart from removing tooth enamel. However, you may experience some heightened sensitivity during the enamel removal process, which should gradually subside. After the procedure, the dental bridge may also feel quite comfortable and easy to get used to.
Maintenance & Care
Maintaining your oral health is crucial regardless of which treatment option you choose. Dental implants tend to have straightforward maintenance and care since they very closely emulate your natural tooth’s overall function. This also means you can still brush and floss your teeth as usual.
Dental bridges may make flossing a little challenging, but your dentist can guide you through proper brushing and flossing techniques to help you maintain your bridge’s condition. It may also help to avoid extremely hard or chewy foods, as well as to avoid chewing on ice or the ends of pens or pencils, to prevent long-term damage.
Overall Cost
Dental implants tend to have a higher upfront cost, ranging from SGD 2,500 (implant fixture) to SGD 5,000 (implant fixture+crown) or more. In contrast, dental bridges may cost anywhere from SGD 600 to SGD 2,000 or higher. Prices may also vary depending on whether you seek treatment at a public or private dental clinic or institution.
The overall price may be influenced by factors such as your overall oral health, the type of dental implant used, and the dental surgeon’s experience. While dental implants are partially covered by Medisave, dental bridges may only be covered by certain insurance providers. Do note that this cost may not include diagnostic tests, other treatments before the procedure, and other considerations.
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants or dental bridges, visit our dental clinic, An Dental today to consult our dedicated dental team.
