Do You Go With Dental Implants Or Crown-&-Bridge?

For adults who have lost one or several teeth in a row, the common replacement choice in the past was a crown and bridge combination. However, the lasting benefits of dental implants are changing that.

When it comes to choosing a dental implant versus Crowns & Bridge, the only deterrent is typically cost. Before final decisions are made, consider the overall value. Once patients consider future costs and lasting benefits, one choice stands out far above the other.

First, dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support. Implants are anchored in the jaw bone. This provides the same, sturdy foundation as natural tooth roots once had.

Another advantage is how one implant can often support more than one tooth. In many cases, a bridge of two or three teeth can be dependably attached.

Since the cost of dental implant treatment is based on the number of implants placed, this keeps treatment expense lower. We find people hear a per-implant cost and calculate how much it will be to replace each tooth (thinking “I’m missing three teeth so I’ll need three implants.”)

This causes people to mistakenly over-estimate the cost. Therefore, some don’t even look into them, thinking they are not affordable. So, if one implant could support a bridge of three teeth, the treatment fee may actually be far lower than assumed.

Think, too, about the low maintenance fees for implants. A dental implant will never get a cavity, nor need a root canal or be detrimental to surrounding teeth.

Dental implants are the closest thing to the look, feel and function of natural teeth. And the advantages continue.

An often-overlooked bonus of Dental Implants over Crown-&-Bridge is in the prevention of jaw bone loss. Without natural tooth roots to provide stimulation to the jaw, the jaw that supports teeth begins to decline in mass.

This process, known as resorption, is like a ‘melting away’ of bone height. This can be visible when the area of gum tissue beneath the bridge lowers from its base. As bone height continues to decline, your smile can reveal a visible gap between the bridge and the gums.

As the bone declines further, the teeth that support the bridge are at greater risk. On average, the next teeth to be lost are the teeth next to areas of missing teeth. Because dental implants help to halt resorption by adding stimulation to the jaw, they restore comfort and dependable biting and chewing.

Dental implants are designed in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each system is designed to accommodate certain needs and preferences. For example, some implants are designed to support a full arch of teeth while others can be placed in areas where a great deal of bone loss has occurred.

The selection of the implant type most best suited for you requires a unique understanding of all implant types. In our Shelby Twp dental office, we bring the skills and experience needed to select the type for you. We also provide all phases of implant dentistry – from diagnosis to placement to attachment of final teeth. We also offer oral or IV sedation (also known as ‘twilight sleep’).

Best of all, the lasting value of dental implants means you’ve made a wise investment. The implanted portion is made from titanium. It biologically bonds with the jaw bone where it has been placed. They will last as long as you live, with proper maintenance.

The success rate of implants is also exceptional. They have proven to be highly successful, with nearly a 98 percent success rate. (That’s higher than any other implant-in-bone success rate!)

We urge patients to look past the initial costs to replace teeth and assess the lasting advantages of dental implants. In addition to their many benefits, they are a wiser investment than any other method to replace missing teeth.

We also offer several payment plans. Through these, patients are able to enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile while making easy, monthly payments that fit into their budget.

If you have considered replacing teeth with dental implants, call 586-739-2155 or tap here to schedule a consultation in our complete care Shelby Township dental office. There is no charge for this visit.