Tooth loss is extremely common. It’s estimated that 69 percent of adults 35 to 44 have lost at least one adult tooth. By age 74, about a quarter of Americans lose all of their adult teeth.
When you lose a tooth, it’s essential to get a proper replacement to keep the rest of your teeth aligned. Replacement teeth can also help you maintain your facial shape and avoid difficulties with eating or speaking. Two of the most common options are dental bridges and implants.
Dental bridges are false teeth held in place by the teeth around your missing tooth. They’re usually made from materials like porcelain or plastic to match your natural tooth color. They can cover one or several missing teeth.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots usually made from titanium. They’re mounted into your jawbone with screws to hold a crown or bridge in place.
Let’s compare the pros and cons of dental implants and bridges. We’ll also look at factors that can help you determine which option is better for you.
Dental implant vs. bridge
Dental implants and bridges can both potentially deliver natural-looking results, but they come with their own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a look at how these two tooth replacement options compare.
Dental bridge pros
- likely to be covered by insurance
- doesn’t require bone grafting or invasive surgery
- usually lower upfront cost than dental implants
- usually requires only two visits to your dentist spread over a couple of weeks
Dental bridge cons
- has to be replaced about every 5 to 7 years (although can last more than 10 years)
- loses a natural-looking appearance with age
- more cavities and tooth decay in surrounding teeth than with implants
- can damage the healthy teeth around the missing tooth
Dental implant pros
- can last 15 years or more and are the longest lasting option on the market
- retain natural-looking appearance longer than bridges
- don’t damage the healthy teeth around the implant
- very high 10-year success rate, around 97 percent
Dental implant cons
- less likely to be covered by insurance
- process can take up to 6 months
- higher upfront cost
- may lead to surgical complications
Implant vs. bridge cost
Dental bridges are generally cheaper upfront than implants and insurance is more likely to cover at least some of the cost. The prices can vary depending on:
- the type of implant or bridge you’re receiving
- the material used
- the extensiveness of the procedure
- where you live
According to the American Dental Association, a low-end dental bridge costs about $500 per tooth while more expensive bridges are up to $1,200. However, this doesn’t include the price of the dental crown that attaches the tooth to your nearby teeth. A crown can be another $500 to $2,500 per tooth.
Dental implants usually cost about $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth. Insurance is less likely to cover the cost of implants.
Even though implants cost more upfront, they tend to age better than bridges and don’t need to be replaced as often.
How to choose between an implant and a bridge
A dentist can advise you about the best tooth replacement for your situation. The best option for you depends on your budget, how many teeth you’re missing, and your overall health.
Cost
If you have dental insurance, it’s more likely that it will cover a dental bridge than an implant. If you don’t have insurance and both options are out of your price range, you may want to also talk to a dentist about partial dentures or other options.
Number of missing teeth
If you’re missing more than one consecutive tooth, a dental bridge is likely a better option than an implant. A separate implant needs to be surgically attached to your jawbone for each missing tooth, leading to expensive and often impractical surgery.
Overall health
Dental implants require surgery, so they may not be an option for people with medical conditions that slow down healing, such as diabetes or leukemia.
The best candidates for dental implants are in good overall health and have a jawbone free of decay that’s healthy enough to support the implant.
Time
The entire process of getting a dental implant can take months while a dental bridge can be installed in two trips to your dentist spread over a couple of weeks.
When getting a dental implant, an oral surgeon will drill into your jawbone and attach the root of the implant to the bone. They may insert a temporary denture while you wait for the bone to heal.
You’ll then have to wait anywhere 2 to 6 months for the bone to heal before a crown can be added.
Conclusion
Dental implants and bridges are two options for replacing a missing tooth. Dental bridges are more likely to be covered by your insurance and require a smaller upfront cost. Though in the long run, dental implants give you more value for your money and a better quality of life.
If cost isn’t an issue and you’re in good overall health, there is no debate. Dental implants are the better option since they last longer and don’t damage your surrounding teeth. The difference is so much better for the patient that our office really tries to financially accommodate patients who wants the implant choice.
Schedule a Consultation
If you currently suffer from missing or broken teeth, dental implants are a great way to restore your smile. To find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, call 843-986-0177 or schedule an appointment with Lowcountry Family Dentistry in Beaufort today.
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