Implants or Fixed Bridge? What Is Your Best Option?

Missing teeth? Let’s restore your smile. The two primary options for treating missing teeth are implants and dental bridges. Which option is best for you? Keep reading to learn about your options for tooth replacement. At Hill Country Oral Surgery, we can restore your smile and your confidence.

We’re here to offer personalized advice. Call us to schedule a consultation at our Austin, TX oral surgery practice.

What is a Fixed Bridge?

A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth, or series of missing teeth. It bridges the gap between missing teeth and healthy teeth, using the surrounding teeth as a support. A bridge is made up of two outer crowns that cover the supportive teeth, also called abutment teeth, and one or more false teeth in between. Once in place, a dental bridge functions much like natural teeth, allowing patients to chew and smile with confidence.

Although bridges generally use your natural teeth for support, they can also be used in conjunction with dental implants. Our All-On-4 full arch dental rehabilitation system combines implants with dental bridges to restore both function and beauty to a full arch of missing teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are another replacement option for missing teeth. They consist of a titanium screw, an abutment, and a crown (the part of the implant that looks like a tooth). Implants are implanted into the jaw. Once you’re fully healed, they function much like a natural tooth. Like a bridge, implants also maintain the bone and jaw structure by providing the necessary force to keep the jawbone healthy.  We often perform extractions before placing a dental implant to remove severely damaged or decaying teeth.

Dental implants can replace a single tooth or an entire smile, depending on your needs. Patients with dental implants can eat and chew normally. Implants are also cared for in the same manner as natural teeth. You’ll brush, floss, and visit the dentist for cleanings.

Implants can last for a lifetime if they are properly placed and cared for. They are comfortable, stable, and have no loose parts.

Dental Implants vs. Fixed Bridge: Which Option Is Best for Me?

If you want to restore your smile, start your journey with a consultation at our Austin, TX oral surgery practice. Our trained oral surgeons will help you explore your options to determine if dental implants or a bridge is the best fit to replace your missing teeth.

Each option has benefits. Understanding the unique positive benefits of each treatment can help you choose the right tooth restoration option for you.

The benefits of dental implants include:

  • As easy to clean as a natural tooth
  • Longer lasting than a bridge, often offering lifelong tooth replacement
  • Does not require healthy surrounding teeth for effective replacement

The benefits of a dental bridge include:

  • Lower initial cost
  • Can replace multiple missing teeth
  • No need for gum grafting if bone recession has occurred

Come in for an examination and we’ll talk about your best options for tooth replacement. Call us at 512-327-7233 to schedule an appointment.