4 Reasons to Choose a Tooth-Supported Bridge Over an Implant

When you lose one or more of your teeth, your dentist can use either a tooth-supported bridge or a dental implant to provide restoration. While a tooth-supported bridge uses the teeth on either side of your missing tooth to hold a false tooth, dental implants involve fitting an artificial root into the jaw bone, then securing a false tooth on top of it.

Each option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, but here are just four reasons why you might prefer a tooth-supported bridge.

1. Less Invasive

One of the main benefits of choosing a tooth-supported bridge over an implant is that you won't require any invasive surgery. A dentist will simply need to slightly alter the shape of the supporting teeth, then take an impression to create the bridge. As such, tooth-supported bridges involve quick and relatively simple procedures. In contrast, a dentist will need to perform work below the gum line and into the jaw bone when you opt for an implant — in some cases, a bone graft may be required. This will all be completely safe, but many patients still prefer a less invasive alternative.

2. Faster Treatment

Dental implants can last a very long time once they are fitted, but the actual process can often take up to six months. You'll also need to visit your dentist several times and go through at least one recovery process. When you opt for a tooth-supported bridge, you'll usually only require two visits to your dentist, and the process itself should only take a couple of weeks.

3. Wider Eligibility

Thanks to modern dental advances, more people than ever are eligible for dental implants. However, some patients may still find they are not good candidates. This may be the case if you don't have the proper jaw bone density to hold an implant, or you may have a medical condition that can slow down the healing process, such as diabetes. Such issues shouldn't be a concern when you opt for a tooth-supported bridge.

4. Lower Cost

Finally, it's worth taking costs into account, especially if you're unsure whether dental implants will be covered by your insurance. Due to the added complexity of the procedure and time with your dentist, implants will generally cost considerably more than tooth-supported bridges. For many patients, the cost is more than worth it, but the difference might be something to keep in mind if you're worried about the expense.

For more info, contact a local dentist. 

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