Dental Bridges or Dental Implants - Which One Should You Choose?
By: When we were kids, losing a tooth was something to celebrate—thanks to the tooth fairy, it meant a dollar or two under your pillow. It was almost magical, like a mini Christmas Eve.
But when you're an adult and you lose a tooth, there's no fairy waiting to reward you. Permanent teeth don’t grow back, and losing one can affect everything from your ability to chew and speak to the alignment of your remaining teeth.
That’s why replacing a missing tooth is so important—and why two of the most common solutions are dental implants and dental bridges.
So which one is right for you? Let’s break down the differences so you can make an informed decision.
What are dental implants and bridges?
When you lose a natural tooth, you’re not just losing the visible part (the crown)—you’re also losing the root, which anchors the tooth into your jawbone. That root is vital for stability, especially when chewing.
Both dental implants and dental bridges aim to restore this lost structure—but in very different ways.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial roots. Once healed, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant. Because they integrate with your bone, implants are stable, durable, and function much like natural teeth.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are non-surgical options that "bridge the gap" left by one or more missing teeth. A false tooth (pontic) is held in place by crowns fitted onto neighboring healthy teeth or implants.
Both options restore function and appearance, but the best choice depends on several factors—starting with cost and procedure.
Cost, durability, and procedure
Generally, dental implants are more expensive than bridges, but they also last longer and offer better long-term value. Here’s why:
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Dental Implants require a surgical procedure to place a titanium post into the jawbone. The healing process can take months and may require bone grafting. Once healed, a crown or bridge is placed on top. These materials are high-quality and designed to last 15 years or more with proper care.
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Dental Bridges are quicker and less invasive. They don’t require surgery or bone grafting and can often be completed in 2–3 dental visits. They typically cost less upfront, but may need to be replaced every 5–10 years. Bridges also rely on surrounding teeth for support, which may lead to wear or damage over time.
So, while implants are a bigger investment, they’re also more durable and long-lasting.
Insurance coverage
Insurance can be a major deciding factor between the two.
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Dental implants are often seen as cosmetic by insurance companies, and may not be fully covered. Some plans (like Delta Dental PPO) may cover 30–50% of implant costs.
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Dental bridges, on the other hand, are usually covered more generously, with some plans paying up to 80% of the total cost.
If you don’t have insurance, look into in-house membership plans offered by dental offices. For example, United Dental Care offers a personal membership plan that gives 15% off implants and discounts on several other procedures like:
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25% off fillings, crowns, and root canals
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50% off periodontal maintenance
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25% off extractions, inlays, and onlays
It’s a great way to make high-quality dental care more affordable.
One good example would be United Dental Care’s personal membership program. Concerning dental implants, joining their in-house plan provides their members who don't have insurance a 15% discount on a dental implant procedure.
On top of that, they also get to benefit from a wide range of discount offers on selected treatments, such as:
- Fillings (25% off)
- Periodontal maintenance (50% off)
- Extractions (25% off)
- Inlays and onlays (25% off)
- Crowns (25% off)
- Root canal (25% off)
It’s a great deal for patients who are looking to get optimal dental care at an affordable price.
Risks comparison
Although both treatments are endorsed globally and are known for their high success rate, they may also have potential risks and complications.
When deciding between dental implants and bridges, knowing the risks is vital. It helps you choose the best option and be ready for any issues that might come up during your treatment.
Let’s discuss all possible complications based on existing studies.
Injury to an adjacent tooth
Improperly positioning implants or using too large ones can harm nearby teeth, possibly causing them to die.
If roots are twisted or tilted too much, it can be easier to place implants correctly. Dentists can adjust the angle during surgery using a guide pin and X-rays. Also, if there are gaps between your teeth due to root positioning, orthodontics can help fix this issue.
Peri-implantitis
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition affecting tissues around dental implants, leading to bone loss and implant failure. Symptoms include bleeding, pus, deeper pockets, implant mobility, and X-ray-observed bone loss.
Inflammation is more aggressive around implants than natural teeth. The main culprits are bacteria like cocci and nonmotile rods. Soft laser treatment and systemic antibiotics targeting these bacteria can help, while local treatments like Actisite reduce harmful bacteria around the implant.
Loss of implant/graft material into the maxillary sinus
Placing implants immediately in an unstable remaining bone can result in implant loss or graft material entering the maxillary sinus, affecting sinus function and mastication when there's less than 5 mm of bone. Various surgical methods can be employed to manage this situation, such as intraoral, endoscopic, trans-nasal, and maxillary bone reconstruction.
Failure due to hyperglycemia
Failures occurring after the second-phase surgery and within the first year of functional loading result from microangiopathy as a complication of diabetes. This can impact flap vascularization, leading to soft tissue infection and delayed wound healing.
It is found that people with diabetes may have slower bone healing by 40%. High blood sugar can make it harder for dental implants to stick to your bone. High blood sugar changes how a hormone that controls your bone minerals works and stops your bone cells from growing properly.
Source: Risks and complications associated with dental implant failure: Critical update
Technical complications with long-span bridges
Improperly fitted dental bridges can cause problems for neighboring teeth, such as decay and structural changes. However, some studies consistently highlight technical issues like ceramic fracture and retention loss in dental bridge cases, especially for long-span bridges (5 units or more).
A specific study was about the technical complications of long-span dental bridges of different span lengths. The main results of the study were:
- The most common technical complication was ceramic fracture or chipping, followed by loss of retention.
- Long-span dental bridges (5 units or more) had a higher rate of technical complications than short-span bridges (less than 5 units).
The authors concluded that long-span FDPs may be associated with more technical problems than short-span bridges after long-term evaluation. They suggested that implant-supported restorations may be a better alternative for replacing missing teeth in some cases.
How will you choose between bridges and implants?
In summary, choosing between dental bridges and dental implants is a decision that hinges on these crucial factors: cost, risk tolerance, and your specific needs.
So, if you're caught between these two options, ask the following questions:
- How many teeth do I need to replace, and where are they located?
- How much can I spend on my teeth replacement, and what does my insurance cover?
- How complex is my case, and do I have any medical conditions that may affect the outcome of the treatment?
- How long am I willing to wait for the procedure and the healing process?
- How durable and natural-looking do I want my teeth replacement to be?
- How comfortable and easy do I want the maintenance and care of my teeth replacement to be?
Asking these questions will guide you in considering the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants and dental bridges. This way, you can make a thoughtful choice that matches your needs and preferences.
Restorative dentists in Culver City
If you are still trying to decide which option to choose or have any questions or concerns, contact us at United Dental Care.
We are a team of experienced and friendly restorative dentists in Culver City, CA, who can provide you with personalized and professional advice and care. We also serve patients from nearby areas such as Palms, Marina del Rey, and more.
Don't let a missing tooth stop you from smiling. Call us today, and let us help you get the smile you deserve.
