Dental Bridges vs. Implants in Wilmington, NC: Know the Pros and Cons

Did you know that more than 120 million people in the United States alone are missing at least one tooth? Missing teeth can be detrimental to your oral health, and it is important to replace them as soon as possible. Dental bridges and dental implants are some of the most common solutions for this problem. 

However, when it comes to the problem of dental bridges vs implants, you may be wondering which choice is better for you and your teeth. Keep reading and learn more about the difference between these two dental options and which might be better for you. 

What You Need to Know About Dental Bridges

When it comes to the cost of dental bridges, you should know that they are generally more affordable than dental implants. This is not to mention that most forms of dental insurance are more likely to cover the cost of dental bridges compared to the cost of dental implants. Dental bridges are ideal for those who are missing one or more missing teeth. 

There are several types of dental bridges to choose from. However, most of them involve a few false teeth, also known as crowns, which are anchored to nearby teeth. Bridges are also cemented in place by your dentist. 

That way, there is no chance that your bridge will wiggle around or fall out when you’re eating or speaking. This is not to mention that you don’t need to go through any invasive surgery to get these dental bridges. Also, you don’t need to get a bone graft to be a good candidate for a dental bridge. 

This is because the dental bridge is not attached to your jaw bone but rather attached to your existing teeth. For that reason, there is not very much downtime associated with the dental bridge procedure. This can make it the perfect choice for those with busy schedules. 

All About Dental Implants

Dental implants are usually only best to replace one tooth at a time. Dental implants also tend to be quite expensive and may be several thousand dollars per tooth. However, if you are only replacing one tooth, a dental implant can be a good option.

Dental implants are very realistic and very sturdy. Their sturdiness comes from the fact that they are anchored to your jaw bone. You will need to get a dental implant over several dental appointments spaced several months apart. 

First, your dentist will need to drill a hole in your jaw bone to fit a metal post that will function as an anchor for the implant. If your jaw bone is too thin or fragile for this, you will need to get a bone graft first and wait for it to heal. After that and after installing the post, you can get the abutment and, later on, the crown. 

While this process takes several months, many are satisfied with the results. 

Dental Bridges vs Implants

When it comes to the question of dental bridges vs implants, they are both good choices. Dental bridges can replace several teeth at once, and there is no need to get a bone graft. Dental implants are best for replacing one tooth at a time and are very sturdy because they are drilled into the jaw bone. 

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