Have you experienced tooth loss and are contemplating your options? At Curtis Couch D.D.S we shed some light on the main differences between our most popular restorative treatments…

The-Great-Debate-The-Dental-Implant-vs-The-Bridge You’ve lost a tooth and are not sure about dental bridges or dental implants – what is the difference between the two? How will you know whether the dental implant is better than the bridge? At Curtis Couch D.D.S in Thousand Oaks we are leaders in restorative dental care and understand the confusion to do with the dental bridge vs. implants, which is why we have decided to showcase their potential benefits in this article so you can make a more informed choice about which solution is best for you.

The dental bridge, a conventional and effective treatment…

Suitable for both singular and multiple tooth loss, the dental bridge is generally comprised of a strong, durable and esthetically pleasing porcelain material. A bridge is an appliance made up of several dental crowns, with the two end crowns bonding to the natural teeth adjacent to the site of the tooth loss. A dental bridge works to effectively ‘bridge the gap’ left by a missing tooth, and provide a stable, affordable and esthetically pleasing solution. No surgery is necessary with the only preparation necessary being the shaving down of your two natural teeth to provide strong foundations for the bridge!

The dental implant, a strong and powerful tooth root alternative…

A dental implant is a tiny titanium screw that is biocompatible with your own jawbone material. This screw is then surgically inserted into the site of tooth loss and left for a period of months to essentially fuse with your jawbone as it heals. A prosthetic tooth is then attached for a strong, powerful and fully functioning new tooth!

Understanding this, dental implants are a revolutionary new treatment that is changing the way dental professionals tackle restorative dentistry…

When taking on the debate of dental implants against bridges, we have to take into account many different aspects of dental health:
  • Overall Oral Health
A dental bridge usually requires the shaving down of healthy tooth material in order to prepare for the bridge and provide the best support. A dental implant, on the other hand, does not affect any of your other teeth, and actually provides structural support for the rest of your mouth. Dental implants also allow easier access between the teeth, making your everyday oral health routine much easier. Flossing dental bridges can be an arduous task which can impact your dental health.
  • Durability
Where durability is concerned, with dental implants vs. bridges, implants win hands-down. This is because dental implants offer a permanent solution to your tooth loss, as the screw actually fuses with your bone, creating constant bone stimulation and a powerful tooth root alternative. Bridges, on the other hand, are too durable but last for only 10 years with good care.
  • Esthetics
Both options create an optimal esthetic solution to tooth loss, as both utilize high quality porcelain restorations that are color-matched to the exact shade of your smile.
  • Treatment Flexibility
When comparing a dental implant vs. bridge, it is important to take into account the treatment plan and what it will involve. Dental bridges provide an easier, faster and more efficient solution to tooth loss, as opposed to the lengthier, drawn-out surgical process of dental implants. Bridges give you flexibility immediately and for the short term, whilst dental implants provide flexibility later and possibly for the rest of your life!
  • Jaw Bone Reabsorption
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone immediately begins to dissolve, as a tooth root stimulates the jaw and keeps it strong. When lost, the jaw no longer receives this stimulation and that specific area of the jawbone begins to deteriorate. Bridges are an esthetic solution to tooth loss, which means they provide no stimulation to the jaw. Dental implants, however, are able to effectively stimulate the jaw by being surgically inserted into the site of tooth loss. This allows your jaw to remain strong and healthy. At Curtis Couch D.D.S we are committed to providing high quality dental restorative solutions to all our patients, and provide a wide variety of treatments so you can choose the option that best suits your condition, your needs and your lifestyle. For more information about bridges and dental implants, or to book an appointment at our Thousand Oaks dental practice, please do not hesitate to contact us.