Dental Implants vs Bridges
Dallas, TX
 If you have experienced even a little bit of pain in your mouth, you have probably wondered if you are experiencing tooth loss. This is a common issue affecting many Americans across the country today, and there are a few options available to treat it. In such cases, identifying the decay and taking corrective measures is the best way to protect your oral health and prevent further spread to neighboring teeth, which can be done by extracting the affected tooth and replacing it with an artificial one. If you think you need a tooth replacement, our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates can begin working with you today to assess your situation and begin planning the right procedure for you.
What are the Benefits of Each Procedure?
Whether we recommend placing a dental implant or a bridge varies on a case-by-case basis depending on your overall oral health and needs. Although both procedures perform the same basic function of replacing your natural teeth and acting in their place, they do differ in a few ways that may affect your final choice of procedure. For one, bridges are more likely to be covered by insurance and have a lower upfront cost than dental implants. Additionally, receiving a bridge usually means fewer return check-ups after the initial procedure.
On the other hand, dental implants have the benefit of being long-lasting, with many lasting as long as 15 years or more, making them the longest-lasting option currently available. Additionally, implants have the longest success rate at 97% over 10 years, meaning few problems and fewer return trips to the dentist after the initial surgery and post-surgery process is completed. Besides their longevity and success odds, many people consider them to look far more like their natural teeth than the alternatives, making this an attractive choice for patients who are particularly concerned with their appearance.
What are the Downsides of Each Procedure?
While each procedure has its advantages, they both come with caveats that might factor into your final decision on which option to pursue. Although dental bridges are cheaper and require fewer return visits in the short term, they typically need to be replaced every five to seven years while also being more susceptible to cavities around neighboring teeth when compared to implants. Furthermore, the procedure requires grinding down neighboring teeth to accommodate the bridge, making this choice less appealing to patients who only need a single tooth replaced.
As for dental implants, while they may be long-lasting, the initial costs are quite high, coupled with the fact that they are also less likely to be covered by insurance. Additionally, the entire process may take up to six months before completion, which many patients may find unappealing.
Which Procedure is Best for You?
Whichever option you choose will help you regain oral function and prevent further decay from spreading. If you are unsure which procedure is best for you, our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates is here to work with you to determine which option best suits your needs. If you would like to find out more about either procedure or schedule an appointment to begin the process, we are available today at 214-363-9946.
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