You stand at a crossroads in your dental journey, considering the best solution to address a missing tooth. The decision between dental implants and bridges isn’t about simply filling a gap—it’s about your future comfort, confidence, and your overall oral health. At Futch Dental, we understand this vital choice and work with patients daily to create personalized treatment plans that address both functional needs and aesthetic concerns.
At Futch Dental, we offer comprehensive dental implant services to restore your confidence and chewing ability. With 35 years of experience, we can help determine if implants are the right choice for your specific situation. We use minimally invasive techniques without incisions and one-piece implants that provide exceptional stability. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or need full-mouth restoration, we can guide you through the process and help you understand your options.
Are Dental Implants or Bridges Better for You?
If you cannot decide between dental implants and bridges to replace your missing tooth, we can help you navigate these choices and restore your teeth’s function. The following breaks down how each option compares to the other:
Durability
Bridges tend to be less durable than dental implants. With proper care, traditional bridges can last five to 15 years, though dental implants tend to last the remainder of the patient’s life.
Healing Time
Generally, dental implants require more healing time than bridges. Dental implants may take several months to heal correctly and fuse to the jawbone. While a dental bridge doesn’t need to heal, it will take just a couple of weeks to adjust to the restoration. Patients will generally only need to recover from their dental implant procedure once, while adjustments may be necessary with each bridge replacement throughout the patient’s lifetime.
Bone Health
With a dental implant, your jawbone is much more likely to stay strong and healthy for the remainder of your life. However, the jawbone is more likely to deteriorate and weaken with a bridge.
Appearance
Both bridges and implants can be made to match the natural appearance of your teeth, but implants are much more likely to match for longer. Bridges are more likely to be visible as they’re placed above the gumline.
We know every patient is in a different situation, and you’re doing your best to maintain your dental health. If you need assistance making a decision, including finding a way to make a commitment more feasible, please contact Futch Dental. During your consultation, we can help you explore the pros and cons of each option more thoroughly. Depending on your needs, we can also look at other options that might be a better fit.
What Are Dental Implants and Bridges?
Dental bridges and implants are both replacements for missing teeth, though they are different restorations.
Dental implants have three parts: a post, an abutment, and a crown. The post can be made of either titanium or zirconium, though titanium is generally preferable because it’s more durable and biocompatible. The post looks a bit like a screw, and it is placed into the jawbone. Implants fuse with the jawbone, keeping it strong and supportive. The abutment is generally made of the same material and is placed on top of the post to secure your new crown. The crown will be made to match your natural teeth and is often made of porcelain, composite resin, metal, zirconia, or other alloys.
Bridges are made of pontics and crowns. The pontic is the bridge itself, which is connected to crowns on either side of the missing tooth. The bridges are typically made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal materials.
Can’t Decide Between Dental Implants or Bridges? Contact Futch Dental to Get Guidance and Find the Right Choice
At Futch Dental, we pride ourselves on providing personalized dental restoration solutions tailored to your needs. We have 35 years of experience in dental health and are here to help you restore your oral health and function.
Our team offers comprehensive consultations where we thoroughly evaluate your oral health status and discuss all available options in a comfortable, pressure-free environment. If you’re facing decisions about tooth replacement, call us today at (775) 746-1177 or visit our contact form to schedule your consultation.
