Dentists near you explain the disadvantages of dental bridges

Tooth loss can be natural or it may be induced due to disease or injury. Missing teeth leave gaps that are not only visually unpleasant but also affect the normal biting function of the buccal cavity. To fill in the gap, a dental bridge is used. It is either a single tooth or a couple of teeth that are attached to naturally occurring adjacent teeth or to dental implants. A dental bridge consists of a number of pieces such as abutments, pontic, and the bridge. These pieces are combined together and placed over the missing gaps.

The most common materials used for making dental bridges are gold, alloys, and porcelain. They are termed dental bridges because they literally bridge the gap caused due to missing teeth. For some candidates, dental bridges are a more suitable alternative to dental implants. If you have missing teeth, you want to weigh in your options before choosing the restorative dental procedure for fixing gaps.

Let us take a look at the pros and cons of dental bridges and whether they are the more viable option compared to dental implants.

Advantages

More Economic

• Dental bridges cost less than dental implants. Unlike implants, bridges don’t require a lot of precision and can be placed without invading much of the mouth. This is why they are the more economic option.

Bone Grafting is Not Needed

Bone grafting is done to restore the jaw bone so that dental implants can be fixed in it.  When tooth loss occurs, jaw bone gradually becomes weak and is reabsorbed by the jaw. Bone grafting results in the regrowth of lost jaw bone. Bone grafting is a requirement for dental implants but not needed for fixing bridges.

Bridges are Less Time Consuming

• Placing bridges does not take as much time as placing dental implants. The reason being that bone grafting is not needed for dental bridges. Placement of dental bridges requires 2-3 dental sessions at most.

Low Maintenance

Compared to dental dentures, bridges are quite low maintenance. You don’t have to remove them to clean them every now and then. Normal brushing and flossing are enough to keep them clean and hygienic. Along with that, they fit in easily and the patient gets accustomed to them pretty soon. They are comfortable to wear.

Disadvantages of Dental Bridges

To decide better, it is important to know the downsides of dental bridges as well.

Loss of Healthy Tooth Enamel

• In the case of traditional bridges, crowns are placed over healthy teeth. To make the teeth a perfect fit for the crowns, teeth have to be shaved and sculpted. As a result, some healthy tooth material is lost. Healthy teeth may be damaged in the process.

Bone Loss Continues to Occur

Since bridges are not connected to the jaw bone, no bone grafting procedure is performed. The jaw bone which has already weakened continues to dissolve. In the case of implants, the deterioration of jaw bone is prevented because bone grafting surgery is performed. Hence, the jaw bone is saved. Bridges are placed over the gum line. Unlike implants, they don’t have any roots and cannot be anchored into the jaw bone.

Not As Lasting as Implants

• Once fixed, implants can last for a lifetime. This is not the case with bridges. Their life spans over 5 to 15 years. After that, they start to become lose and have to be replaced eventually.

This information has been brought to you by Icon Dental Center. They provide dental services in Everett and Seattle.