Dental Bridge vs. Implant: Which Tooth Replacement is Right for You?

A dental implant and a bridge are two reliable ways to fill the space a missing tooth leaves. Both do the same thing but use a different approach. Our staff for restorative dentistry in Indianapolis, IN, will work with you to decide the best option for your needs.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone to anchor a prosthetic tooth. Once implanted, the post integrates with the bone and fuses, acting like a normal tooth root, giving the restoration a natural look and feel.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restoration that bridges the gap between teeth when one or more teeth are missing. The bridge is the prosthetic teeth that fill this space, making your smile whole again.

There are two forms of attachments for a bridge: a dental implant or abutment teeth. Abutment teeth are the two teeth on either side of the gap. The restorative dentist in Indianapolis, IN, modifies these teeth and fits them with crowns that serve as anchors for the bridge.

Dental Bridge vs. Implant: Which Tooth Replacement is Right for You?

Either choice is practical. In some cases, you have both. Implants can serve as anchors for a dental bridge. Picking the right opportunity depends on several factors:

• Budget— Dental implants can be more expensive than a bridge with abutment teeth.
• Jaw health—For an implant to succeed, you must have enough healthy bone in your jaw to support it. If not, it might be possible to graft bone to secure the implant.
• Timeline—Dental bridges are faster and take fewer trips to the office.

Implants can last longer than a dental bridge, so even if they are more of an investment, they might be a better prospect for a qualified candidate.

If you have one or more missing teeth, make an appointment with our restorative dentist in Indianapolis, IN, today to discuss your best choices.