Dental Implants: Q&A
Ask a QuestionDental Implants Vs. Bridges: the Best Solution for Lost Tooth?
the NY TImes article "A Dental Shift: Implants Instead of Bridges" states: "In an overwhelming majority of cases, implants to replace lost teeth are by far the best long-term solution for maintaining a healthy mouth. Also, because they rarely need to be replaced, in the long run they are more economical than bridges." Do you agree with this statement?
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13 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
anon
+1
Dental implants are superior to bridges
I absolutely agree with the article. Some recent studies have indicated average life of a bridge to be 6.7 years. Not very good! In addition, it causes damage to adjacent teeth, oral hygiene is difficult, and they do not support the underlying bone.
In current day dentistry, implants have become the standard of care for replacing teeth. It is difficult to see why bridges are even offered, except that they are an alternative treatment. But bridges were the best dentistry could do 30...
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+6
Dental implants are often more economical than bridges
I believe dental implants are often more economical than bridges. They are more conservative, have a high success rate, preserve bone and don't decay. In my experience, patients choose bridges over implants not because a successful implant isn't possible, but only because of higher up front cost. Implants are not only the standard of care, but a better value as well.
see video
+2
Dental Implants Provide a New Standard of Care
Yes dental implants are superior to bridges. Bridges had a strong place in the past, but today dental implants are the most advanced and conservative option for replacing missing teeth. I tell patients missing single teeth that dental implants are a "single tooth solution to a single tooth problem" meaning when you have one tooth missing implants won't involve the teeth surrounding the missing tooth. Bridges require the teeth adjacent to the missing...
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Dallas Cosmetic Dentist
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+1
Dental Implants vs Bridges
I love this article! I actually have a copy of it and give it to patients who need to make this decision. The article is well written and I agree with all the statements.
An implants costs about $3500. A 3 piece bridge replacing one tooth also costs about the same.
Over time the implant will require no maintenance. Over time the bridge will have to be replaced with additional costs. Most bridges last 10-15 years.
Most implants last forever. Dental implants are the...
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+1
Dental Implants better than Bridges
As the article states, more people are choosing Implants over bridges. As far as being more economical, the main reason is that dental implants have a higher success rate and rarely need to be replaced. according to certain studies, bridgework may only last 8-10 years on the average.
A dental bridge has a fake tooth or "pontic" that rests on the gums. This is a very difficult situation to create a realistic looking tooth. Dental implants are placed below the gum surface and the crown...
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+1
Dental Implants Superior To Dental Bridges
Over the past 5-10 years dental implants have become the treatment of choice for tooth replacement over dental bridges in the majority of cases. Dental implants allow you to not touch the adjacent teeth keeping unnecessary forces off of them. In addition, when an implant is placed in the bone and chewing forces are applied to it bone formation is stimulated. Finally, an implant allows for much easier hygiene (flossing) around the area than does a bridge. ...
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+1
Dental bridges versus dental implants
This is really dependent on :
1) The adjacent teeth health
2) Amount of bone that is present where the missing tooth was
3) The patients bite and remaining teeth
In general, if there is enough bone to place an implant and the adjacent teeth are healthy, then an implant may be a better choice long term. If it is on the lower arch and a block graft is needed it might be more predictable to do a bridge.
Patients should ask their dentists for the...
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Houston Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Dental implant versus bridge placement
There is no way to give a blanket statement on implants versus bridges versus removable appliances versus going around with missing teeth. The decision is based on so many factors. What are the patient's needs and desires for the outcome? What is the health of the patient? How much bone is present to support an implant? Does the patient have a functional bite? Does the patient prefer a fixed or a removable solution? Etc. etc. A qualified dentist can...
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Plano Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Implants last a lifetime
Once an implant is healed (osseointegrated) it is there to stay. The restoration on top of the implant is subject to fracture but that is also the beauty - the restoration can be changed to another configuration on the same implant as your needs change. In my 34 years of dentistry, it is wonderful to have seen implants come of age as the best method of tooth replacement.
+1
Dental Implants vs. Bridges: Replacing Missing Teeth
I agree completely that - except under certain circumstances -- dental implants are superior to bridges for replacing missing teeth. If you smoke, have untreated periodontal disease, have a large bony defect, or have two missing front teeth that are right next to one another you may be a better candidate for a bridge. The best way for you to find out is to consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist who does a lot of implants.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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