Implant vs. Crown-supported Bridges for Tooth Replacement
Missing teeth can make eating difficult and smiling embarrassing. Fortunately, advances in cosmetic dentistry have lead to a number of options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implant- and crown-supported bridges are two of the most popular treatments. The treatment you choose is best determined between you and your dentist. To find out which treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation with Kansas City dentist John P. Goodman.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution to replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are screw-like posts made of titanium. They are surgically placed within the empty tooth sockets of the jaw to act as replacement tooth roots. Dental implants can be used to replace individual teeth when paired with dental crown restorations or can be used to replace multiple teeth with implant-supported bridges.
What Are Crown-supported Bridges?
Crown-supported bridges are traditional dental bridges. They are used to replace one or two adjacent teeth. Crown-supported bridges are made of two dental crowns joined by one or two artificial teeth. The bridge is fixed within the mouth by attaching the two end crowns to two healthy teeth.
The Benefits of Implant-supported Restorations
Implant-supported dental restorations offer many benefits over crown-supported bridges. Dental implants provide a permanent, secure option in missing tooth replacement. The secure fit of dental implants is owed to the fact that, as the jaw bone heals around the implant, a process called osseointegration occurs. Osseointegration is when the bone forms a bond to the dental implant, creating a permanent hold. The benefits of implant-supported dental restorations like crowns and bridges include:
- Permanent tooth replacement: Dental implants act as your own tooth root for permanent tooth replacement.
- Secure fit: Because the jaw bone bonds to dental implants just like a true tooth root, dental implants offer a secure, natural feeling fit.
- Improved dental function: Replacing missing teeth with dental implants will help improve dental function, allowing you to eat without discomfort or pain.
- Improved confidence:Dental implants allow you to smile with the confidence of knowing no one will see any missing teeth.
- Replace multiple teeth with only one to two dental implants: Traditional bridges must anchor to two healthy teeth, whereas implant-supported dental bridges do not require existing teeth to attach to. Implant-supported bridges attach to one or two dental implants to restore multiple missing teeth.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
The treatment you choose depends on your desired results and specific needs. Traditional crown-supported bridges are less expensive than implant-supported bridges and implant-supported crowns, but they do not offer the security or natural feel of dental implant treatment. The treatment you choose is best determined between you and your dentist based on your needs and oral health.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Goodman
To learn more about your options for missing tooth replacement or to find out more about dental implants, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Goodman. We look forward to hearing from you.