Dental Bridge vs Implant: What You Need to Know Before Making a Decision

Teeth loss is very common. 69 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 are thought to have lost at least one adult tooth. Approximately 25% of Americans lose all of their adult teeth by the age of 74.

Speaking and eating may be hampered due to missing teeth. Knowing that your dentist can provide a dental bridge or an implant, two well-respected methods of replacing a lost tooth is helpful.

What are Dental Bridges?

As the name implies, a dental bridge “bridges” the space left by one or more missing teeth. It is made up of one or more fake teeth in the space between the two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (referred to as abutment teeth). Pontics, the name for the artificial teeth, can be composed of porcelain, alloys, gold, or a mix of these materials.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are surgically placed titanium posts that are placed below the gum line in the mandible. A replacement tooth is attached to the post once the implant has been placed and the bone that surrounds the implant has had an opportunity to heal. The implant serves as a very solid anchor to hold the replacement in place.

Which is Better? Dental Bridge or Implant

Dental Bridges
Pros	Cons
Faster Process: A dental bridge takes less time to be placed.	Durability: On average, dental bridges can last from five to fifteen years.
No Need for Surgery: as compared to tooth implants, dental bridges do not need surgery.	Damage to Adjacent Teeth: The abutment teeth must be reshaped, which over time could leave them weak, susceptible to decay, or even damage.
Cost: Dental bridges are less expensive than implants, even if long-term costs vary.	Effect on Neighboring Teeth: The enamel of your surrounding teeth is scrapped away to make space to hold the bridge in place. This can result in sensitivity or other dental issues.

Dental Implants
Pros	Cons
Natural Appearance and Feeling: Dental implants resemble real teeth roots in appearance, feel, and functionality.	Require Surgery: The titanium post for dental implants must be surgically inserted into the mandible.
Durability: Dental implants are more permanent. When properly cared for and maintained, dental implants can last a lifetime.	Extended Treatment Duration: There is, before the final crown is placed, an implant placement healing period that could last for months.
Long-Term Cost Effectiveness: They will be more cost-affordable due to fewer replacements or repairs, owing to their resiliency and life.	Greater Initial Cost: Compared to dental bridges, dental implants often have a greater initial cost.

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Find Your Perfect Fit

A dental implant in which lost tooth roots are replaced with small posts attached to the jaw during oral surgery. After the implant heals, a crown is attached by your dentist.

On the other hand, dental bridges replace the lost teeth without having to replace the roots. In simple terms, at the basic level, the bridge is just the artificial tooth, bridging the gap between two crowns put onto your natural teeth, one on either side of the missing tooth.

The differences between tooth implants and dental bridges are not appreciable in real-life situations. Patients generally find them equivalent to retention within the mouth and provide little chewing functionality

In some cases, the anatomical conditions may force your dentist to choose one intervention over the other. In most other situations, the dentist is bound to suggest you get a replacement for your lost tooth through one of the two methods back in place.

Although they are willing to help you balance choices, convenience, price, and speed of replacement are often deciding factors.

Tooth Implant vs Dental Bridge: Financial Considerations

Dental bridges are much less expensive upfront compared to implants. The prices may vary for the following reasons:

• Type of implant or bridge you’re getting
• Material being used in implant or bridge
• Duration of the procedure
• Where you are residing

More expensive dental bridges can be up to PKR 15000 tooth whereas more reasonably priced bridge is closer to PKR 5000. This doesn’t include the dental crown, that goes on top of your surrounding teeth to hold the tooth in place. 

Dental implants can range from PKR 60000 to PKR 300000 per tooth.

Although tooth implants bear a higher up-front cost compared to dental bridges, they don’t need to be replaced as often. They are generally more permanent as well.

Making Choice: Dental Bridge vs Implant

In the case of dental bridge vs. implant, what should be taken into consideration is your needs, budget, and above all, your general dental health. Consult with your dentist to make an informed choice that would bring out the best for your oral health.

There are two options to replace lost teeth: bridge or implant. Bridges are cheaper. If money is no obstacle and you are healthy, in comparison with bridges, dental implants can be better because they are long-lasting and have no negative effect on the health of the teeth located near them. A dentist will choose the best option in your case.