Decatur AL Dental Bridge vs Implant

For replacing a missing tooth, either a dental bridge or a dental implant can provide an effective solution. The best choice for you will depend on your situation and your objectives.

At Drake and Wallace Dentistry, we work extensively with both of these tooth replacement methods, often combining the two technologies to provide our patients with the most comfortable and functional solution. We will work closely with you to identify the best approach for you but, in the meantime, learning more about each of these treatment methods can help you make an informed choice.

Why Choose a Dental Implant?

If you need to replace a single tooth, a dental implant is often the ideal choice.

Placing an implant does not require any disturbance or preparation of the adjacent teeth. Implants are stronger and more durable than bridges and easier to maintain, from a dental hygiene perspective. And, if you don’t require a bone graft to secure the implant, it may be possible to complete your restoration in a single visit.

Structurally, dental implants simulate the natural tooth roots to maintain bone density in the jaw, preserving your appearance and preventing facial collapse. Implants don’t place any additional stress on the adjacent teeth, helping avoid unnecessary problems for those teeth in the future.

If your adjacent teeth cannot support a bridge, or if they would require extensive restoration, an implant could be the solution for you. Finally, although they are more expensive initially than a bridge, implants could potentially last a lifetime with proper care, making them a sound investment.

Why Choose a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges, as the name suggests, bridge a gap in your smile where one or more teeth are missing. This non-surgical tooth replacement alternative is less expensive than dental implants and often covered by dental insurance. With an implant, there is usually a period of several months required for osseointegration of the implant before a crown can be placed. A bridge, however, can almost always be placed in two appointments a couple of weeks apart.

A fixed dental bridge is an ideal alternative for patients who lack the bone density necessary for an implant or that may be unable to tolerate the implant procedure due to health concerns. If the teeth adjacent to the replacement site already need restoration, a bridge often makes more economic sense than an implant.

Aesthetically, bridges can look as good as your natural teeth when placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist. And, using our state-of-the-art technology, Drs. Drake and Wallace can provide you with a high-strength, metal-free zirconia bridge crafted to match your natural teeth perfectly.

Making Your Choice Between a Dental Bridge and Implants

We invite you to learn more about zirconia bridges on our Dental Bridges page. You can read up on the alternatives, too, on our Dental Implants page. And then, when you’re ready to explore your options in greater depth, you can give us a call to schedule an examination with Dr. Drake or Dr. Wallace, or use our convenient online interface to request an appointment.