Dental bridges have been around for over a century? Don’t you think technology has advanced over time? Dental implants are the most technologically advanced way to replace missing teeth.
Dental Implants are Superior to Bridges
The main problem with a bridge is that it relies on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. These adjacent teeth have to be cut down to pegs to make room for the bridge. This aggressive cutting can cause the teeth to die and need root canals. The teeth are fused together and patients have a difficult time cleaning around the bridge.
Bridges fail because a) decay under the bridge and b) support teeth have root canals that fail.
So when a bridge fails, it creates a tremendous financial and dental problem. A bridge is almost the same cost as an implant. But when the bridge fails (about half of all bridges fail within 15 years), the patient is looking at replacing more teeth than the original missing tooth.
Dental implants do not require damaging adjacent teeth. Patients will brush and floss their implant tooth just like a natural tooth. Furthermore, dental implants will never get decay or need a root canal.
Dental Bridges cause Bone and Gum Tissue to Vanish
Old-fashioned bridges do NOTHING to preserve or stimulate the bone and gum tissue. Thus, with a bridge, the bone and gum underneath will shrink slowly over time. This causes a depression in the gum tissue, leaving a very ugly gap that people can see. Also, that gap will collect and pack food.
Bone and Gum Tissue Loss Under Dental Bridge
Downsides of Dental Bridges for Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental bridges have long been used to replace missing teeth, and while they can be an effective solution for some patients, it’s important to understand their potential disadvantages before choosing this treatment.
One of the main concerns with a traditional dental bridge is that it requires reshaping the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. These neighboring teeth must be reduced to support the bridge, which permanently alters their natural structure. Even strong teeth can become more vulnerable to decay or future dental work once they have been crowned.
Bridges also do not replace the tooth root, which means the jawbone beneath the missing tooth is no longer stimulated. Over time, this can lead to bone loss in that area, potentially affecting facial structure and the stability of surrounding teeth. Dental implants, by contrast, help preserve bone because they replace the root as well as the crown.
Cleaning around a bridge can be more challenging than caring for natural teeth. Special floss threaders or tools are often required to clean underneath the artificial tooth, and if plaque accumulates, it can increase the risk of gum disease or decay around the supporting teeth.
Additionally, bridges typically have a limited lifespan compared to implants. While they can last many years with proper care, they may eventually need replacement due to wear, decay, or changes in the supporting teeth.
Understanding both the benefits and limitations of dental bridges helps patients make informed decisions about the best long-term option for their oral health.
Dental Implants are the Gold Standard of Dental Care
Dr. Nugent has had to replace missing teeth on family members, friends, and his employees. He used dental implants instead of old-fashioned bridges. Demand the best in dental implant care.
Get the best in dental implant care. Call us today at 713-941-8261 or visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, TX 77504.