The Difference Between a Dental Bridge and Dental Implants

November 16, 2023 1
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When you’re missing a tooth, it’s more than just a cosmetic problem. Tooth loss can affect the health of your entire mouth. As you rely on your remaining teeth to do all the heavy lifting, they may begin to wear out prematurely or even crack under the pressure. What’s more, having a missing tooth can impact your bite and your speech, and you may even experience headaches or jaw pain.

With this in mind, it’s important to replace a missing tooth before your oral health deteriorates further. But which treatment is appropriate for you? In the past, a dental bridge was your only choice. Now, dental implants provide patients with a more comfortable solution that can last a lifetime. Here’s a closer look at the difference between the two options.

What is a dental bridge?

As the name suggests, a dental bridge literally bridges the gap between two of your natural teeth. However, a dental bridge involves a lot more than filling an empty space in your mouth. For support, the replacement tooth is anchored to your adjacent teeth, which are ground down and fitted with crowns. This design can make brushing and flossing a challenge, so it’s important for those with dental bridges to be extra vigilant with oral hygiene. If properly cared for, the average life of a dental bridge is about 10 years.

What are dental implants?

With a dental implant, a titanium rod is placed in the bone where your missing tooth used to sit, and a crown is placed on top of the rod. Over time, the bone and titanium rod bond together for a result that is stronger and more permanent than a bridge. Because a dental implant isn’t attached to your adjacent teeth, there’s no change to your brushing and flossing routine. Aesthetically, dental implants are designed to match the shape and color of your existing teeth. Because they look, feel, and function like real teeth, no one will ever know the difference.

Which option is best for you?

While dental bridges have been used for decades to replace missing teeth, dental implants are often the preferred treatment option. However, not everyone is an ideal surgical candidate. Discussing the pros and cons of each solution with your dentist will lead you to the best plan of action for your unique case.

As a patient at Sedation and Implant Dentistry of Tehachapi in Kern County, you can rest easy knowing your mouth is in the capable hands of our dental expert. With over 40 years of experience in general, cosmetic, and reconstructive dentistry, Dr. Sanchez is talented in his craft and will recommend a tooth replacement option that will provide you with exceptional results. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation!


About Sedation and Implant Dentistry of Tehachapi

Sedation and Implant Dentistry of Tehachapi provides comprehensive dental care to the people of Kern County in a friendly and comfortable environment. Under the ownership of Dr. Jose David Sanchez, Sedation and Implant Dentistry of Tehachapi focuses on the placement of dental implants, tooth restoration, IV sedation and dental anesthesia, making it among the most experienced dental offices in Tehachapi. Dr. Sanchez offers same day dental implant surgery for Kern County residents. He is a member of several prestigious dental organizations, including Fellow of Misch International Implant Institute, Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of Global Dental Implant Academy, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and California Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Dr. Sanchez continues to take hundreds of hours of continuing education courses yearly and stays up to date with the latest technology. This additional training, along with his 46 years of experience, makes Jose David Sanchez, D.D.S. one of the best dentists in Tehachapi.



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