Is The Dental Bridge Becoming Obsolete?

Well, maybe not obsolete, but certainly it is recommended less frequently as a first option than before.

Implants have come a long way. “We are seeing they provide a strong foundation for placing crowns, which makes them in most situations the optimal choice for restoring a missing tooth,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Dental Practice.

A dental bridge for a number of years was the only option for patients. Having a dental bridge meant that to replace a missing tooth for cosmetics or to restore chewing ability, the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth would be modified and crowns would be placed over them with a pontic (false tooth) suspended between. “Bridges work, they are not bad, but they do impact the teeth on either side of the missing one,” adds Dr. Ko.

With implants you are able to restore the single tooth without impacting the ones surrounding it. “Initially the cost of a surgeon placing an implant made the difference in which option many patients chose, as the cost of an implant was slightly higher, but now that is no longer a factor.”

And many more people than once thought are candidates for implants. “We now have more options in the type of implants that can be placed and restored, which means more patients have an implant as an option.”

If you are wondering about implants, give us a call. We’d love to help you determine if an implant is right for you.

Dental Implant or Dental Bridge?

Most often when a patient presents with a missing tooth, one of three recommendations will be made: 1.) Dental Implant,  2.) Dental Bridge, or 3.) Dental Implant and Dental Bridge.

Dental Implants are generally the best option when the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are intact and have had no fillings or other dental care to restore them to health. When this is the case, the best option will most likely be a dental implant. "Dental implants allow your dentist to replace a single tooth without compromising any additional teeth," says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Dental Practice. "When this option is best, your general dentist will most likely refer you to a specialist who will surgically place the implant," Dr. Ko adds. When the implant is ready, a crown will be placed, restoring the space.

Sometimes a Dental Bridge is the better option. This is the case when the adjacent teeth are already compromised or are decaying. Dental Bridges rely on the adjacent teeth for support and then a pontic, or false tooth, is created to fill the gap.

The third option is generally used when the span of the missing teeth or the location creates a challenge. For example: when the missing tooth is the last one in the mouth or there are several missing teeth in one area.

If you are missing a tooth, check with your dentist to see what are your options.