At Southside Dental, we often have patients from Toowoomba and the surrounding Darling Downs region asking about the best options for replacing missing teeth. Two popular choices are dental implants and bridges. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
A dental implant is a small, titanium post that is placed into your jawbone to act as a new root for a missing tooth. Once in place, it supports a natural-looking crown that functions like your original tooth.
A dental bridge is a fixed replacement for missing teeth. It uses a false tooth attached to crowns on the neighboring teeth or implants to fill the gap, restoring your smile and ability to chew properly.
Dental implants offer a long-lasting, stable solution by replacing the tooth root itself and are ideal if you want a durable, low-maintenance option. Bridges, on the other hand, are a quicker fix that doesn’t require surgery but involve modifying adjacent teeth. Consider implants for their longevity and natural feel, or bridges if you need a faster and less invasive solution.
Dental implants involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, while bridges use adjacent teeth as anchors to support a prosthetic tooth.
Dental implants typically last longer, often over 20 years with proper care, whereas bridges may need replacement after 10-15 years.
Implants do not affect adjacent teeth, while bridges require grinding down of neighboring teeth to place the crowns, potentially weakening them.
Recovery for dental implants can take several months due to the healing process of the jawbone, while bridges have a shorter recovery time, typically a few days.
Dental implants are easier to clean and maintain with regular brushing and flossing, while bridges can be more challenging to clean around the anchored teeth.
Yes, dental implants generally cost more upfront due to the surgical procedure and materials involved, but they may be more cost-effective in the long run due to their longevity.
After dental implants, it’s advised to avoid hard or sticky foods during the healing process. With bridges, certain foods may need to be avoided to prevent damage, but once healed, both options allow for a normal diet.