You have lost a tooth, but that’s normal! You’re left wondering how to replace it, regardless of whether it was damaged in an accident, by deterioration, or for some other reason. And it’s likely that you’ve heard of two popular choices: dental bridges and single tooth implants. However, how can you choose the best one for you?

Let’s go over it together, like a family friend offering you some straightforward, practical guidance. There won’t be any pressure, just the facts, so you can make an informed decision.

First, What’s the Difference?

Here’s the quick breakdown:

• A single tooth implant is a permanent solution that replaces both the root and the visible part of the tooth. It’s placed into your jawbone and topped with a natural-looking crown. It’s sturdy, long-lasting, and feels like your own tooth.
• A dental bridge, on the other hand, fills the gap by anchoring a false tooth between the two teeth next to the missing one. These neighboring teeth are shaved down to hold the bridge in place.

Now let’s compare the two in a few key areas.

1. Functionality and Feel

Implants are the best option if you want a tooth that feels just like your natural one. You can chew, talk, and smile without thinking twice because they are fixed into your jawbone and cannot move.

For many people, bridges still function perfectly, but they don’t feel like “real teeth.” They may become worn down or feel less stable with time, particularly if the teeth around them deteriorate.

 

2. Oral Health Impact

Here’s where implants are truly useful. No healthy teeth are impacted when you have a single dental implant. Actually, the implant maintains the stability of the remainder of your mouth and helps protect your jawbone.

In order to support a bridge, the healthy teeth on either side of the gap must be shaved down. Furthermore, even though it does the job, it may cause long-term stress on those teeth and necessitate additional dental repair.

 

3. Longevity and Maintenance

With proper maintenance, a dental implant can endure for more than 20 years, and occasionally even a lifetime. That entails the fundamentals: brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups.

Bridges typically endure ten to fifteen years. Although they are dependable, they may require replacement sooner rather than later and might be more difficult to clean underneath and around.

 

4. Cost and Insurance

Let’s talk about money now. Bridges are still a common choice in part because they are typically less expensive up front. Depending on your plan, they can also have a higher chance of being covered by insurance.

The initial cost of implants is expensive, particularly if further procedures like bone grafting are required. The problem is that they’re more of a one-time expenditure. In the long term, many people believe the value to be well worth it because they last longer and don’t need support from other teeth.

In order to help make implants more accessible, a lot of dental clinics, like ours at Family Dentistry of Crystal Lake, provide financing options.

So… Which Should You Choose?

To be honest, it depends on your circumstances. A single tooth implant is typically the superior, more contemporary choice if you want something that feels, looks, and works exactly like your natural tooth and provides long-term health benefits.

However, bridges still provide a strong, dependable option if implants are not an option for you or if you’re currently searching for a less expensive option.

The most crucial thing is to pay attention to the gap. Later on, shifting, bone loss, and biting problems might result from missing teeth.

Let’s Find the Right Fit for You

We at Family Dentistry of Crystal Lake are here to assist you in evaluating your options and choosing the course of action that will best serve your comfort and long-term health. Come chat to us if you’re having trouble deciding between a bridge and a single tooth implant. We’ll explain everything to you, respond to your inquiries, and restore your confidence so you can grin.Call us; we’re always pleased to assist.