Whether it happens because of injury, decay, or gum disease, losing a tooth can be unsettling. Beyond the change in appearance, a missing tooth can affect how you chew, speak, and maintain your overall oral health. Modern dentistry offers reliable solutions to restore both function and confidence. A dental bridge is generally the quicker, non-surgical choice, while a dental implant provides a longer-lasting, more natural-feeling solution.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth definitively to adjacent teeth or dental implants. It literally “bridges” the gap left by a missing tooth.
The procedure involves placing crowns on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, which are called abutment teeth. These crowned teeth act as anchors for the pontic, or the false tooth, that fills the space. The entire prosthesis is fabricated as a single piece and is permanently cemented in your mouth.
Dental bridges offer several key benefits, including:
- Restoring proper speech and chewing ability.
- Improving the aesthetics of your smile.
- Preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
- Distributing the forces in your bite properly.
- Maintaining the shape of your face.
The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge usually takes a few visits. It includes the following steps:
- Initial consultation: Your dentist examines your mouth, checks the supporting teeth, and determines if a bridge is the right option.
- Tooth preparation: The teeth on either side of the gap are reshaped, and impressions are taken to design your custom bridge.
- Temporary bridge: A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being made.
- Bridge placement: At the final appointment, the dentist checks the fit and bite before permanently cementing your bridge in place.
Are You a Good Candidate For a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can be a good choice, particularly if you’re missing one or more teeth and have strong, healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. You might consider a dental bridge if:
- You are looking for a relatively quick restoration process.
- You are not a suitable candidate for a dental implant due to medical reasons.
- You prefer to avoid surgical procedures.
However, certain conditions might make a dental bridge unsuitable. You may not be a good candidate if:
- The adjacent teeth are not healthy or strong enough to support a bridge.
- You have significant bone loss in the jaw.
- Your gums are not healthy.
- The gap is at the very back of your mouth with no tooth to anchor the other side.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a modern solution designed to mimic the natural structure of a tooth from root to crown. It consists of a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a new root for the missing tooth. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning it fuses with the bone over time in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong and stable foundation for a custom-made crown, which is then attached to the post.
Some benefits of dental implants include:
- Durability: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
- Natural look and feel: They look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
- Bone preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth.
- Neighboring teeth are unaffected: Unlike bridges, implants do not require altering adjacent healthy teeth.
- Improved oral health: They are easier to clean around than a bridge, improving long-term hygiene.
The Dental Implant Process
Consultation & Planning
The journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. Rundle Dental emphasizes personalized planning using digital imaging to assess your jawbone density and design a custom treatment approach.
Implant Placement
In this step, a titanium post is gently inserted into your jawbone to act as the artificial root. Over the following 3–4 months, your natural bone bonds with the implant in a process called osseointegration.
Restoration
Once the implant has integrated with your jawbone, your dentist will attach a custom crown, bridge, or denture to complete the restoration—delivering a stable and natural-looking smile.
Are You a Good Candidate For a Dental Implants
A dental implant may be the ideal long-term solution if you have good overall oral and general health. The primary requirement is having sufficient jawbone to support the implant. You may be a good candidate if:
- You are missing one or more teeth.
- You are looking for a permanent, long-lasting solution.
- You want to avoid altering your healthy neighboring teeth.
- Your jawbone is fully grown and has adequate density.
Some factors may prevent you from being an ideal candidate for a dental implant, including:
- Insufficient bone density in the jaw (though bone grafting can sometimes resolve this)
- Certain chronic health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes.
- Poor oral hygiene habits.
- Habits like smoking, which can interfere with the healing process.
- Active gum disease.
Making the Right Choice For Your Smile
Deciding between a dental bridge and a dental implant is a big decision that depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals. At Rundle Dental, our experienced team will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, discuss your options, and provide a personalized recommendation that aligns with your needs.
Take the first step toward restoring your smile and confidence. Schedule a consultation with us at Rundle Dental, and let us help you make an informed decision that will benefit your oral health for years to come
