My dentist recommended an Implant or a dental bridge.  She explained the options but I’m still confused.  What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?

Answer:

Well let’s first describe what each option entails.  With an implant (usually a mini-screw, or blade, etc), the device is drilled directly through your bone.  Much like the root of a real tooth, it then supports a dental crown.  It looks and acts like a real tooth.

Advantages of this method include:

• esthetics (looks like a real tooth)
• Ability to easily clean it (floss, etc.)
• Looks and feels more natural

Disadvantages of this method include:

• Cost
• Implant failure (depends on location of implant but usually fairly low)

A bridge basically refers to a replacement tooth that is connected to two adjacent teeth.  Meaning, the tooth is attached to the adjoining teeth for support.  As a result, the two adjacent teeth must be crowned.

Advantages of this method include:

• Cost
• Somewhat esthetic (Not as esthetic as implants)

Disadvantages include:

• Somewhat difficult to clean
  • Because the tooth is connected to the two adjacent teeth.  It is hard to floss.  A proxy brush made be used to clean this area effectively
• Esthetics
  • As mentioned above, not as esthetic as implants
• You lose unnecessary tooth structure
  • Because the tooth needs two adjacent teeth for support, the two adjacent teeth must be crowned, causing unnecessary work on a normal tooth.

Good luck and we hope this helps with your decision!

SaveMySmile Team