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single tooth Implant

Single Tooth Implant vs. Bridge

You’d be surprised as to how common tooth loss is. It is nothing to be ashamed of, and dental technology has allowed us to make your smile just the way you want it. A single-tooth implant is one method of replacing a tooth; you also have a bridge option.

Deciding which dental procedure you’d like to go down is a discussion you can have with your dentist to determine what is best for you. Let’s take a look at the difference between a single tooth implant and a bridge so that you can better understand what you’re looking for.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge consists of false teeth held together by the teeth around the missing tooth. They are most likely to be made from plastic or porcelain. This is done to try and match your natural tooth color as far as possible. A dental bridge can cover just one missing tooth or several missing teeth.

Advantages of Dental Bridges

  • One of the important advantages of a dental bridge is that it’s most likely to be covered by your medical insurance, should you submit the claim to your provider.
  • Upfront costs are usually lower than other options.
  • You are not required to visit your dentist too often for check-ups. In most cases, you only need two checks over the space of a few weeks.
  • Dental bridges don’t require any invasive surgery or bone grafting, which may be a choice for those that are less excited about having these types of procedures done.

Disadvantages of Dental Bridges

  • Although dental bridges can last up to 10 years, they often need to be replaced every 5-7 years.
  • Unfortunately, dental bridges lose their natural look as they age.
  • Patients have experienced more tooth decay and cavities on the surrounding teeth with dental bridges, compared to a single tooth implant.
  • Dental bridges can sometimes lead to damage to the surrounding teeth that were otherwise healthy.

Single Tooth Implant

A single tooth implant, which is also known as a dental implant, is artificial tooth roots that are most often made from titanium. Your dentist will mount it into your jawbone with the help of screws to hold what is called a “dental crown” in place.

Advantages of Dental Implants

  • Dental implants can last up to 15 years or longer, which far exceeds dental bridges.
  • Due to their longevity, as they age, they retain their natural look.
  • No damage is caused to the healthy teeth that surround the implant.
  • The success rate of single tooth implants is very high: around 97 percent.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

  • Unfortunately, medical insurance is less likely to cover dental implants.
  • The entire process of completing the dental implants can take around 6 months.
  • Initially, there is a higher cost to be paid upfront.
  • Because there are some surgical requirements, there is a chance that there could be surgical complications.

Choosing Between Single Tooth Implants and Dental Bridges

The best way to make your decision is to discuss this with your dentist. There are multiple factors to consider, such as time, cost, the overall health of your teeth, and the number of missing teeth that need to be filled.

Single Tooth Implants And More In South Florida

Eriks Dental Group offers a 5-star dental experience with a comprehensive list of services. If at this stage you’re not sure which dental treatment option is best for you, get in touch with us at 561-733-4004. We’re in the business of keeping our customers comfortable and satisfied with their final results.