At our Palmdale and Lancaster dentist offices, we provide comprehensive restorative dentistry services to surrounding communities. For patients with missing teeth, we often recommend tooth replacement options like dental implants or dental bridges. 
While these two restorative dentistry options can effectively replace a missing tooth, there are some key differences between these two tooth replacement options. Learn more about the differences between dental bridges and dental implants below:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the premier tooth replacement option that modern dentistry has to offer. This is because dental implants can replace the look, feel, and function of a missing tooth.
The dental implant process involves a surgical procedure in which a titanium post is inserted beneath your soft tissues and allowed to fuse together with your jawbone. The healing time for a dental implant can take anywhere from 6-8 months.
Once fully healed and fused together with your jawbone, an abutment is placed on top of the post to hold a custom dental crown. When the dental implant is complete, the restored tooth will have tooth-root functionality similar to your natural teeth.
The titanium post provides the support you need to maintain your dietary preferences without causing oral hygiene hazards. Dental implants have an extremely high patient satisfaction rating because of the long-term benefits that this restoration comes with compared to other options.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a cost-effective approach to tooth replacement. Because the dental bridge utilizes the full external support of your surrounding teeth, you do not need a surgical procedure. Instead, the doctor will attach the bridge hardware to the surrounding teeth which will hold the prosthetic tooth in place of the missing tooth.
Most patients can complete their dental bridge within just two visits to our Antelope Valley dentist offices. However, because the bridge hardware is fully external, patients must abide by certain dietary restrictions. Excessively chewy or crunchy foods can damage the bridge hardware.
Patients with dental bridges will also need to learn how to brush and floss around and underneath the bridge hardware to prevent food particles from getting stuck in or around your restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a dental implant vs. a bridge?
A dental implant process generally takes 3-6 months to complete because your jawbone needs time to heal and fuse with the implant. The timeline includes initial placement, a healing period, and then attachment of the final crown. A dental bridge, on the other hand, usually requires just 2-3 weeks from start to finish, with two appointments needed. The first appointment prepares the adjacent teeth and captures impressions, while the second is for permanently placing your custom-made bridge.
Can a dental bridge be converted to an implant later on?
A bridge itself can’t convert into an implant, but you can switch from a bridge to an implant-supported restoration later. This process involves removing the bridge, placing implants, and then attaching new implant-supported crowns or bridges. Your dentist will assess your bone health to see if you’re a candidate.
Do tooth implants help prevent bone loss in the jaw?
Yes, tooth implants prevent bone loss because they mimic tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone when chewing. This stimulation maintains the jawbone’s density and shape. Without implants, bone often deteriorates, leading to facial changes and reduced support for surrounding teeth.
Is a dental implant or a bridge better for replacing multiple missing teeth?
Implants are generally better for replacing multiple missing teeth because they don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support. Bridges depend on neighboring healthy teeth, which must be reshaped to hold the bridge. Implants maintain jawbone and tooth structure better in the long term.
Will I need temporary teeth while waiting for an implant to heal?
Yes, most patients use temporary dentures or bridges to maintain their appearance and chewing ability during the implant healing period. Your dentist will provide temporary solutions tailored to your needs. This ensures you won’t be without teeth at any stage.
What foods should I avoid with a dental bridge?
Avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage or loosen the bridge, like hard candies, ice, nuts, chewy candies, or very sticky foods. Cutting foods into smaller pieces, especially tougher meats or crunchy vegetables, helps protect your bridge. Following these guidelines keeps your bridge secure and extends its lifespan.
Schedule An Appointment
Are you missing one or more teeth? Learn more about your tooth replacement options by visiting one of our Antelope Valley dentist offices. Our team is currently welcoming new patients to join our dental family. Please schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to helping you restore your smile.