If you have lost teeth due to trauma or extraction, bridges and implants offer more than cosmetic benefits; they also maintain the position of your teeth and the stability of your bite. Deciding which treatment to choose ultimately comes down to budget, medical history, and personal preference.

History

Bridges have ancient roots, first being used by the Etruscans in 700 B.C. and later by the Egyptians. They have long been the norm in tooth replacement procedures. Implants, fairly new to the dental landscape, emerged in the U.S. in the 1980s. Implants have quickly become recommended for their high success rates, easy cleaning and not requiring work on neighboring teeth.

Features

The most commonly used bridge type is the conventional bridge in which crowns are placed over two supporting teeth and the artificial tooth is adhered to these crowns. This process usually takes no more than a week to complete. Implants, on the other hand, require two phases. First, a titanium screw is placed into the jawbone. After the three- to six-month healing period in which the screw adapts to the body and heals, the tooth is implanted.

Considerations

The shape of the supporting teeth are a major factor for bridge placement, especially since one or more will need to be shaved down for crown placement. A total bridge collapse could occur if the supporting teeth are too fragile. To qualify for a dental implant, bone and gum structure must be able to support the implant. Also, surgery is required, resulting in a longer completion time. Many times, the decision hinges on cost. Bridges are the less expensive option, averaging about $1,000 per tooth with up to three missing teeth able to be fixed with one bridge. Implants, rarely covered by insurance, can cost between $2,500 and $5,500 and are recommended for up to two missing teeth.

Fun Fact

The early Egyptians used golden wires to fix bridges together with other teeth. Where cosmetic procedures are concerned, this is the first example of what we now know as mouth "bling."

Warning

The failure rate for implants is much greater for smokers. For this reason, your dentist may refuse to place an implant until smoking has been discontinued or they may recommend a bridge to be placed instead. Even so, smokers still experience lower success rates than nonsmokers.

Source:

A Complete Patient Guide

A Pictorial History of Dentistry

Dental Bridges