Which lasts longer, a dental implant or a dental bridge?

Dental implants are designed to be a long-term, often lifelong, solution because they stand independently and stimulate the jawbone. A dental bridge typically lasts around 15–20 years, after which one of the supporting (abutment) teeth often needs further treatment due to the added stress it has carried.

Is a dental implant or a dental bridge more expensive?

A bridge is usually less expensive upfront. An implant costs more initially but can be more cost-effective over time, because it is less likely to require replacement and does not put the neighboring teeth at risk of future work.

Do I need a bone graft before a dental implant?

Sufficient bone is required to place an implant. A bone graft — ideally performed soon after a tooth is removed — preserves the socket and prevents the bone and tissue loss that otherwise follows an extraction. Where bone is insufficient and grafting isn't an option, a bridge may be the better choice.

Does a dental bridge damage the surrounding teeth?

To anchor a bridge, the healthy teeth on either side of the gap are filed down to the dentin so crowns can be placed over them. Those abutment teeth then carry the extra load of the missing tooth, which can raise the risk of decay, breakage, or a future root canal. An implant avoids this because it stands on its own.

What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?

Act quickly — contact your dentist or an oral surgeon immediately, because prompt care preserves the socket and improves the odds of successful re-implantation or a future implant. Dr. Andy Engel is available by phone after hours for emergencies and will refer you to an oral surgeon if the situation calls for it.

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: Filling the Gap in Your Smile

Losing a tooth can be a daunting experience, impacting both your oral health and confidence. At Living Dental Health, we understand the importance of finding the right solution to restore your smile while honoring your time and budget. Two popular options for replacing missing teeth are dental implants and dental bridges — both recognized tooth-replacement approaches by the American Dental Association. We sat down with our Dental Assistant, Christy Spencer, to discuss the key differences and help you determine which might be the best fit for you.

Dentures: A Thing of the Past or Still Relevant Today?

With the recent television ads about dentures, we get a fair number of questions from patients with missing teeth about whether dentures are a viable option. The short answer is that it depends on the individual and the extent of the damage. While dentures are a valuable solution for extensive tooth loss, they are generally not recommended when only one or a few teeth are missing. Dental implants or bridges offer more targeted and conservative approaches in such cases.

Christy shared an interesting historical perspective. “About 50 years ago, dentures were often the most economical solution. But now, with advancements in technology and a greater focus on preventative care, people can retain their natural teeth much longer.”

She emphasized that just because your parents or grandparents had dentures, it doesn’t automatically mean you will, too. Maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing periodontal disease are key to healthy teeth.

Dental Bridges: Bridging the Gap

Christy explained how a bridge works: “Think of a bridge like a bridge over a river. It has two supporting points, called abutments, on either side of the span, and the bridge connects these two abutments. A bridge in your mouth is similar. We use teeth on either side of the missing tooth as the abutments and connect them with a pontic, the artificial tooth, spanning the space in between.”

Essentially, the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are crowned, and the artificial tooth is attached to these crowns. For a crown to be placed, the dentist must first remove most of the tooth’s enamel down to the dentin. This means healthy teeth are compromised and essentially stripped down to the dentin to support the missing tooth.

But wait, there’s more. While bridges are a more traditional and often less expensive option upfront, they have some drawbacks. “A bridge puts extra stress on the abutment teeth,” Christy cautioned. “These teeth now have to support the artificial tooth and do the work of the missing tooth, which adds stress to the abutment teeth and can increase the risk of problems like decay, breakage, or the need for a root canal down the line.” She added that the average lifespan of a bridge is around 15-20 years, at which time one of the supporting teeth often needs further treatment due to the stress placed on it.

Dental Implants: A Standalone Solution

Dental implants offer a different approach. Christy loves using analogies to help patients understand things, likening it to hanging a picture on a wall.

“Think of a dental implant like using a hollow wall anchor to hang a picture. The implant is the anchor in the wall, the abutment is the screw that goes into the anchor, and the crown is the picture itself – the final, visible restoration.”

The three parts create a stable, independent replacement that doesn’t rely on adjacent teeth for support.

“The great thing about implants is that they don’t compromise the health of the surrounding teeth,” Christy emphasized. “They function like natural teeth, allowing you to chew normally and floss effectively.” Implants also stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur after tooth loss. If you’re weighing whether an implant is worth the investment, we make the fuller case in Dental Implants: Because Having Teeth Is in Style.

Choosing the Right Option: Factors to Consider

So, how do you decide between a bridge and an implant? Christy outlined several important factors:

Bone availability: Sufficient bone is crucial for implant placement. A bone graft, which must be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon quickly after a tooth is removed, is a critical first step to prevent bone loss. Without a graft, bone and tissue recession occurs, often impacting neighboring teeth. Bridges are an alternative if bone isn’t sufficient for an implant. (We explain why timing matters so much in A Missing Tooth and a Bone Graft Go Hand in Hand.)
Cost: Bridges are typically less expensive upfront. However, implants can be a more cost-effective long-term solution, as they are less likely to require replacement like a bridge might.
Health of adjacent teeth: If the teeth next to the gap are healthy, placing crowns on them for a bridge can be a disadvantage. In such cases, implants are a more conservative option.
Time: Getting a dental implant is a process that can take nine months to a year for everything to heal so the final crown can be placed securely. Bridges can often be completed in a shorter timeframe.
Personal preference: Some patients may prefer one option over another based on individual preferences or concerns.

What if a Tooth is Knocked Out?

Many people fear that it is a Saturday, and our teenage kid is playing football and has a tooth knocked out. What do you do?

Christy stressed the importance of swift action if a tooth is knocked out. “Contact your dentist or an oral surgeon immediately,” she advised. “The sooner the tooth can be replanted or a bone graft placed, the better the chances of success.”

She emphasized that prompt treatment is crucial to preserve the socket and optimize the chances for future implant placement, if necessary. Dr. Andy Engel is available by phone after hours for emergencies. If he can’t help based on the situation, he will make a referral to an oral surgeon who can.

Living Dental Health is Here to Help

Choosing the right tooth replacement option is a significant decision. At Living Dental Health, we are dedicated to providing you with the information and support you need to make the best choice for your individual needs. We are happy to walk you through this process so you can feel confident about your choice. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your options and take the first step toward a complete and confident smile.