Arizona Tribune - Molar Implants vs. Bridges: Which Is the Better Option for Missing Back Teeth?

Two common options for replacing missing back teeth are dental bridges and molar implants. Explore how each tooth replacement solution works and how they compare so you can make an informed choice.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a tooth replacement prosthetic made up of an artificial tooth (called a pontic) flanked by dental crowns on each side. The crowns attach to healthy teeth, while the pontic fills the tooth gap.

Bridges can be reliable and are relatively quick to place. The procedure usually requires two dental visits, during which your dentist reshapes the surrounding teeth, takes impressions to create the prosthetic, and then secures the bridge in place. Dental bridges offer benefits like:

• Faster treatment time compared to implants

• Often less expensive upfront

• Short recovery time

However, bridges require healthy adjacent teeth to be filed down, which is something to consider if your neighboring teeth are in good condition.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that's placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with healthy bone tissue over time. This post is the foundation of your tooth restoration, and a crown is attached on top to complete the process.

Dental implants don't generally affect your neighboring teeth, and they provide excellent stability because they're anchored directly into the bone. They're the only tooth replacement option that can combat bone loss in the jaw resulting from tooth loss. Benefits of implants include:

• Preserving natural teeth without reshaping them

• Preventing bone loss in the jaw

• Lasting longer than bridges with proper care

The main considerations for patients are the long treatment timeline and higher initial cost compared to bridges.

Considerations when replacing a missing molar

Most people are looking for a tooth restoration that looks realistic and offers the same functionality that natural teeth do. Here's how bridges and implants compare on these factors.

Bite strength

Your molars handle most of the heavy lifting when it comes to chewing. While bridges can restore some bite strength, they don't offer the same level of stability as implants. Bridges may shift or move when you bite into crunchy, raw vegetables. However, implants can withstand chewing forces much like natural teeth. They let you retain around 90% of your natural chewing ability.¹ This makes them great for replacing molars, which are under more pressure than front teeth.

Dietary options

Bridges are definitely preferable to a tooth gap. They can restore your ability to eat a variety of foods, but certain foods like steak and crisp apples may still be off the menu. Implants are much more secure and function more like natural teeth. They allow you to enjoy a wider range of foods. For patients who don't want to feel restricted in their diet, implants are often the preferred option.

Longevity

Bridges can last as long as 15 years with good care, while implants are designed to last a lifetime. Don't let the upfront costs of implants intimidate you - their durability often makes them the more cost-effective solution in the long run. Bridges, on the other hand, may need to be replaced or repaired over time, which can add to your overall dental care expenses.

Both dental bridges and implants can successfully replace missing back teeth, but the right choice depends on your needs, budget, and long-term goals. Depending on the extent of tooth loss you're dealing with, you can also explore other replacement options such as all-on-4 dental implants, partial or full implant dentures, or implant bridges.

Contact Information:

Name: Sonakshi Murze
Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Manager

SOURCE: iQuanti

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

A.Ruiz--AT