Implants vs. Bridges
Portland, OR
 If you’re planning to restore lost teeth, you will need to choose between dental implants and bridges. Here’s some information on both to help you make your decision.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are made of a titanium post connected to a crown via an abutment. The post stimulates the jaw bone like a natural tooth root, and the crown has the appearance and function of a regular tooth as well.
Types of Dental Implants
We have two different types of dental implants available.
Endosteal Implants
We directly install endosteal implants into your jaw bone during an initial surgical procedure. Once the gum tissue heals, we will schedule a second surgery to connect the post to the first implant. Finally, we will mount the prosthetic tooth onto the post.
Subperiosteal Implants
When installing subperiosteal implants, we will attach a metal frame onto your jaw bone below the gum tissue. As your gums heal, the frame bonds with the jaw bone. When this is completed, we will affix the prosthetic tooth to the post.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Advantages of dental implants include:
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They require little maintenance and can last a lifetime
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They have the strength, structure, feel and function of natural teeth
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They keep the jaw bone healthy and preserve natural bone growth, something non-implant treatments can’t do
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By standing on its own instead of relying on nearby teeth for support, it won’t put strain on other teeth |
While they have a lot going for them, dental implants also have some drawbacks:
Advantages of dental implants include:
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Since they are attached to the jaw bone, surgery is required, which entails certain risks (jaw fractures, infection, damage to nerves or surrounding teeth)
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The entire process takes at least three months due to the slow rate at which bone heals |
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to fill gaps made by one or more missing teeth. They consist of two or more crowns (known as pontics), supported by natural teeth or implants on both sides of the gap (known as abutment teeth or anchoring teeth).
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer three different kinds of bridges.
Traditional Bridges
The most commonly-used type, it is made of ceramics or porcelain fused to metal. The bridge is made by a crown for the implant or tooth on one side of the gap, and the pontic goes between them.
Cantilever Bridges
Less common than traditional bridges, we avoid placing them at the back of the mouth where it will experience more pressure. They are used most effectively on patients with adjacent teeth on just one side of the gap.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
This resin-bonded bridge is made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and supported by a framework made of porcelain or metal. Your natural teeth on both sides of the gap are then bonded to the metal or porcelain wings found on the bridge.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Here are some of the main benefits of dental bridges:
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The treatment procedure is simple, non-surgical and considerably less painful than the process for dental implants
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The treatment procedure only takes a few weeks (sometimes less), compared to the months-long procedure for dental implants. |
Bridges also have some disadvantages, such as:
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The surrounding teeth that support the bridge will need considerable preparation, resulting in damage to natural teeth
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You will need to replace the bridges once every 5 to 7 years
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They don’t look very natural or aesthetically pleasing |
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call (503) 446-6776.
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