19 May Is It Better to Get a Dental Implant or a Bridge?
If you need to replace a missing tooth, you have two options: a dental implant or a bridge. Each one has its own advantages and drawbacks, depending on the person who needs a tooth replacement.
For instance, a dental implant will last a lifetime, instead of 10-15 years. But getting an implant is a surgical procedure, which puts some people off. A bridge does not require surgery. However, it means replacing two otherwise healthy teeth with crowns.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of dental implants vs. dental bridges so you can weigh your options.
Dental Implants: Pros and Cons
A dental implant is a titanium post that gets placed directly into your jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. A crown is then attached on top. It looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth, and prevents bone loss by stimulating your jaw every time you chew. Dental implants are permanent and very strong. They will never get broken or need to be replaced.
A well-placed implant can truly last a lifetime with proper care. A study that followed over 10,000 implant patients found that 94% were still effective at the 15-year mark. Dental bridges, by comparison, typically only last 10 to 15 years before needing replacement.
However, a dental implant isn’t right for everyone. First of all, you need to have healthy gums and sufficient bone density to support the implant. You also have to be willing to undergo a surgical procedure, which means having to face things like anesthesia and recovery. And because dental implants are a surgical procedure, they are also more expensive.
Dental Bridges: Pros and Cons
A dental bridge is a false tooth supported by two crowns that are anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap. With a dental bridge, there’s no surgery involved. The procedure is a lot like getting a crown, and it can be completed in a single appointment. Bridges are a much more affordable option than dental implants, and they can restore full function to your bite.
But although bridges are less costly up front, they do need to be replaced every 10-15 years. Those costs can add up. They can also be difficult to clean, since you’ll need to brush and floss underneath the false tooth in the center.
And bridges come with a hidden cost most people don’t always consider: the two anchor teeth on either side of the gap have to be ground down and capped with crowns, even if those teeth are perfectly healthy. If you want to preserve your natural teeth, a dental implant is a better option.
Contact Prescott Dentistry for a Consultation
The best treatment for anyone is the one that they can actually go through with and feel okay about. And at Prescott Dentistry, your comfort matters. If the idea of oral surgery makes you genuinely anxious, a bridge is a completely legitimate, proven option.
The dental implant vs. dental bridge debate isn’t something you have to figure out on your own. Reach out today to schedule a consultation, and we will gladly answer all of your questions. Once you make a decision, we’ll support whichever option you choose, no pressure, no judgment.
Photo by Georgi Guruli on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/25/26.