Dental implants and bridges may seem similar, both options are very different technically. When looking for the right solution to replace missing teeth, it’s important to know more about these differences and the main benefits of each.

A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as a tooth root and supports a crown. It is surgically inserted into the jawbone. It then fuses with the bone and provides a secure fixation in the desired position. After the osseointegration process is completed, an abutment is attached to the post framework. It protrudes above the gum line to provide space for the dental crown.

A dental bridge is also used to fill the space of a missing tooth. As the name implies, it bridges the gap between the teeth created by a missing tooth. The bridge must be anchored to one or more neighboring healthy teeth, which must be pre-sharpened to provide support. This allows the structure to withstand daily chewing loads. Unlike implants, dental bridges do not replace the root.

It is worth noting that placing a dental implant or bridge involves dental intervention. And before any intervention to restore the dentition, the teeth and gums are treated. Because, there should be no inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between a dental bridge and implantation.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IMPLANTATION AND DENTAL BRIDGES

Implantation and bridge placement are two different methods for replacing missing teeth. The main differences are summarized below:

1.PERFORMING THE PROCEDURE
As stated, a dental bridge is attached to healthy teeth. During your first visit for a dental bridge, the dentist prepares the neighboring teeth. Preparation includes removing some of the enamel and grinding to reshape the contour. This is done to make room for the crown that the dentist puts on them.

The next step is to take impressions of the teeth to use as a model from which the dentures are made in the laboratory. A temporary bridge will be placed for this period. During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary and install the fabricated permanent bridge. He will also check it and adjust it to ensure a proper fit. A dental bridge allows you to restore one or more lost teeth.

Although the dental bridge procedure itself is less invasive than implants, the classic method of placing a bridge involves grinding down healthy teeth. Therefore, they are more vulnerable to decay. If the life of the bridge ends, cracks may appear in it. Bacteria penetrate through them and infect the teeth. This is why modern dentistry recommends dental implants as an alternative to restoring lost teeth.

2.DURATION OF TREATMENT
Implants can take 3-6 months, as the implant must fuse with the jaw bone before an abutment and dental crown can be added. If the patient has insufficient jawbone density, a sinus elevator or bone augmentation may be required. This will increase the length of treatment.

3.TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS AND BRIDGES
There are different types and brands of implants. However, irrespective of the type, the implants and more specifically the stem and abutment are made of bioinert titanium. The crown can be made of ceramic, metal-ceramic or zirconia.

4.NATURAL LOOK.
When choosing a dental bridge or implant, one of the main things to consider is appearance. Dental implants have a more natural look. They fit perfectly against the gum, whereas a bridge can be noticeable. In addition, implants are the most comfortable solution. Once placed, they feel just like natural teeth and are just as durable.

5.DURABILITY
Another key factor in comparing a bridge to an implant is durability. Implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, and will last the patient for more than 20 years.

Dental bridges need to be replaced about every 10 years and require careful oral hygiene. Healthy teeth on which the bridge is fixed may be damaged by decay.

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TYPES OF IMPLANTATION FOR COMPLETE AND PARTIAL TOOTH LOSS

A huge advantage of implantation is that it helps to restore both a single missing tooth and an entire tooth row. If one or more teeth need to be restored, a separate implant (artificial tooth root) is used for each tooth unit. In cases where there are no teeth at all, this technique can be too traumatic. Therefore, implantation of edentulous jaws takes a different approach. There are two main methods:

All-On-4 implantation. Only 4 artificial roots are implanted per jaw. After that, 10-12 crowns are attached to the implants. To calculate exactly where to place the artificial roots, a computer scan is performed and a 3D model is made. This type of dental implantation is suitable if the bone loss due to jaw atrophy is small.
All-On-6 implantation. The principle of this technique is similar. Only crowns are fixed on 6 implants. Due to the fact that there are 6 implants, the “stability” of artificial teeth is increased. This type of implantation is suitable in cases where bone atrophy is already quite pronounced.

Each method of implantation has its own indications and contraindications, nuances of execution. Your dentist will help you to choose the method that is ideally suited for you.

TYPES OF IMPLANTATION ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF EXECUTION

Depending on the method of implant placement, it may take several weeks, months or just a couple of days to restore a tooth.

CLASSIC BIPHASIC TECHNIQUE

This technique is considered the gold standard and is suitable for almost all patients. It is performed in two phases. First, the dentist cuts the gum, places the titanium implant and sutures it in place. After 10-14 days, the sutures are removed, and then wait for the artificial root to take root. Gradually, bone cells grow into the surface of the implant and securely fix it. This usually takes 4-6 months.

The time frame depends on the type and size of the implant and the individual characteristics of the body. When the artificial root has taken root, a crown is placed on it. If there is not enough bone tissue in the root due to atrophy, it is augmented. This is done with the help of an operation called a sinus elevator.

The main disadvantage of this technique is a very long interval between the installation of the implant and the crown. Thanks to the development of dentistry and the emergence of new varieties of implants, the classical technique has been modernized. This is how the following type of implantation came into being.

EXPRESS IMPLANTATION OR ONE-STAGE TECHNIQUE

It is excellent in cases where the implant is placed immediately after tooth extraction. It is placed directly on the root without cutting the gum. This helps to save time and minimize the number of interventions. After 1-2 hours, the patient leaves the dentist’s office with the implant and crown in place.

This implant technique is suitable in such cases:

• there is enough bone tissue for implantation and there are no signs of bone atrophy;
• there is no inflammation or infection of the gum;
• the neighboring teeth are healthy.

In one-stage implantation, classical implants, which consist of an artificial root and crown, and so-called monoblocs – one-piece non-disposable structures – can be used.

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