Implants vs Bridges & Dentures
Jefferson Hills, PA
Dental Implants provided by Dr. Kenneth Poleski
in Jefferson Hills, PA at Poleski Family Dentistry
 A radiant smile can light up a room, but what happens when tooth loss dims that sparkle? For millions, the loss of natural teeth is a reality, impacting their oral health, confidence, and quality of life. Dental innovations like dental implants, bridges, and dentures have emerged as ideal solutions to regain functionality, aesthetics, and self-assurance.
While these three are common solutions, each option has advantages and considerations. Which one you choose depends on various factors, such as your oral health, budget, preferences, and your dentist's recommendation.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are widely regarded as one of the highest standards for tooth replacement options as they closely match the function and appearance of natural teeth. In a debate between bridge vs. implant, the latter is more durable. Here's how they work:
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Implant Structure: A dental implant includes a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. This post merges with the bone via the process of osseointegration, providing stability and support for the replacement tooth.
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Crown: After the implant has integrated with the bone (which typically takes a few months), a custom-made dental crown is attached to the top of the implant, creating a natural-functioning and looking tooth. |
Advantages of Dental Implants
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Durability: Implants are designed to be long-lasting and potentially last a lifetime with proper care.
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Functionality: They look like natural teeth, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably and without the risk of slippage.
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Bone Preservation: Implants revive the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss that commonly occurs when teeth are missing.
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Aesthetics: Implants closely match natural teeth in appearance and feel, providing a seamless smile. |
Considerations for Dental Implants
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Surgery: Placing dental implants requires oral surgery, which may require a healing period and carries some risks associated with any surgical procedure.
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Bone Density: Adequate bone density is necessary for successful implantation. If bone loss occurs, bone grafting is required before the implant placement.
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Time: The entire process of receiving dental implants, from initial consultation to final restoration, can take several months. |
Dental Bridges
This is another common option for replacing missing teeth. They include artificial teeth (pontics) fixed in place by crowns attached to dental implants or natural teeth in line.
How Dental Bridges Work
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Anchor Teeth: The teeth in line with the gap, also called abutment teeth, are prepared by taking out a portion of enamel to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.
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Pontic Placement: The pontics (artificial teeth) are attached to the crowns, creating a single unit that covers the gap left by the missing teeth. |
Advantages of Dental Bridges
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Stability: Once in place, bridges stay fixed and stable, eliminating concerns about slippage during eating or speaking.
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Time: Compared to dental implants, getting a bridge is usually faster, as it does not require surgery or a healing period. |
Considerations for Dental Bridges
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Healthy Anchor Teeth: The success of a dental bridge relies on the health and integrity of the adjacent teeth, as they serve as support for the bridge.
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Bone Preservation: Unlike implants, bridges do not stimulate the underlying jawbone, which may lead to bone loss over time.
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Risk of Decay: Because bridges are attached to adjacent teeth, there is a risk of decay or damage to these teeth over time, which may necessitate further treatment. |
Dentures
Dentures are dental prosthetic devices that can be easily removed and are used to replace surrounding tissue and missing teeth. Think of a set of your grandma's fake teeth floating in a glass of water on her bedside table. They are available in two main types: Complete dentures (for replacing all teeth in an arch) and partial dentures (for replacing multiple missing teeth in a row).
How Dentures Work
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Customization: Dentures are custom-made to fit the patient's mouth, providing a natural-looking smile.
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Adhesion: Complete dentures adhere to the gums through natural suction or denture adhesive, while partial dentures may also have clasps that attach to adjacent natural teeth for stability. |
Advantages of Dentures
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Affordability: Dentures are often the most cost-effective option for replacing missing teeth, especially for patients with multiple missing teeth or significant bone loss.
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Non-Invasive: Unlike with dental implants, patients getting dentures do not have to undergo surgery or invasive procedures during the process.
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Versatility: Dentures can be used to replace missing teeth and are suitable for patients with varying degrees of tooth loss. |
Considerations for Dentures
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Adaptation Period: It may take some time for patients to adjust to wearing dentures, especially when speaking and eating.
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Stability: Dentures, particularly complete dentures, may become loose or shift during eating or speaking, leading to discomfort or embarrassment.
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Bone Resorption: Dentures do not stimulate the underlying jawbone, which can lead to bone resorption over time and changes in the fit of the dentures. |
Making the Choice
Dental implants are an excellent option for people seeking a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement solution with superior stability and functionality.
Dental bridges are suitable for people with healthy adjacent teeth who prefer a fixed, non-removable solution for replacing missing teeth. Both implants and brides are great denture alternatives.
Dentures may be suitable for people who are not good candidates for dental implants due to health reasons or prefer a non-invasive, removable solution.
Schedule in Jefferson Hills, PA Today!
Dental implants emerge as the top choice for those seeking a durable, long-term solution that closely mimics the look and feel of natural teeth. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, offering stability and functionality comparable to natural teeth. However, it's important to note that dental implants are a process and require time and patience.
On the other hand, dental bridges offer a reliable option for replacing one or more missing teeth without the need for surgery.
Dentures remain a viable choice for replacing multiple missing teeth or entire dental arches, as it's the least expensive and time-consuming option.
Rediscover the joy of eating, speaking, and smiling with our advanced implant dentistry solutions. Whether you are missing one tooth or several, Poleski Family Dentistry offers reliable solutions in the form of implants, bridges, and dentures that restore function and aesthetics. For more information, call us at 412 813-3131. |
