Both dental implants and dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth for patients who need them. At Tkatch Dentistry in High Point, NC, presenting patients with different treatment options allows individuals to decide, with the help of the expert dental team, which option is best for them.

To help you determine which option is better, the Tkatch Dentistry team explains three key differences between dental implants and dental bridges: 

• Structure: A dental implant can replace an individual tooth and is permanently fixed to the gum line. Bridges, on the other hand, require at least three crowns to be connected to fill in the space of a missing tooth. They, too, are permanently fixed in the mouth but may be harder to care for because floss has to be threaded under the false tooth.

• Prior Conditions: While dental bridges can be fitted into mouths that have missing teeth for quite a while, patients are only candidates for implants if they’ve lost the tooth recently. After a tooth has been missing for a long time, the gum line can recede, making it impossible for the dentist to perform a successful implant.
• Longevity: Dental implants can last a lifetime, so they are traditionally more durable than bridges. While they can be more costly up front, bridges tend to be more expensive in the long run because at some point in the future, they may require replacement. Both options can be made to look similar to your natural teeth, although implants are often the most undetectable.

If you have missing teeth, the dentist and staff at Tkatch Dentistry will walk you through the options of dental bridges and implants to determine which procedure will better suit your needs. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 889-9916 or visit the office online to learn more.