Implant-Supported Dental Bridges vs. Crown-Supported Dental Bridges By Danny O'Keefe D.D.S. on October 03, 2014

Dr. Danny O'Keefe and Dr. Jan Belote believe that patients should have many options available to them when it comes to their dental care needs. At their Flowood dental practice, patients are always made aware of all of their cosmetic and restorative treatment options, whether they involve dental crowns, which are specially crafted caps that are used to restore a damaged tooth, or traditional dental fillings.

Having options is particularly important when it comes to missing teeth. Each patient is different, and his or her needs can be addressed in various ways. Below we want to consider dental bridges, which are a popular option for filling tooth gaps, with a special focus on how they can be secured in place: implant dentistry and dental crowns.

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are appliances that are designed to fill the gap left behind by missing teeth. When in place, a dental bridge is able to restore the appearance of a person's smile and also the strength and function of a person's bite, enhancing that person's overall dental health in the process.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Implant-supported dental bridges refer to dental bridges that are held in place by dental implants. The dental implants themselves are artificial tooth roots that are surgically embedded into the jawbone and gum tissue along the dental ridge where a person is missing teeth. After a months-long healing process, the dental implants are able to hold a dental bridge in place with great stability comparable to natural tooth roots.

Ideal Candidates for Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

The best candidates for implant-supported dental bridges are people who have sufficient bone density and gum density in the tooth gap where they are missing teeth. They should be in overall good dental health and not suffer from any kinds of medical conditions that would make oral surgery difficult or risky.

Benefits and Risks of Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

The primary benefit of getting implant-supported dental bridges is that they are extremely stable given the nature of implant dentistry, making the dental bridge unlikely to slip or fall out.

The primary risk of getting implant-supported dental bridges is that the procedure is invasive and the healing period does take months to complete, with a chance of some post-surgical complications.

Crown-Supported Dental Bridges

Crown-supported dental bridges refer to dental bridges that are held in place by the two teeth adjacent to a tooth gap. These adjacent teeth are prepped in order to accommodate dental crowns, which help anchor the dental bridge into place.

Ideal Candidates for Crown-Supported Dental Bridges

The best candidates for crown-supported dental bridges are people who have a tooth gap between two teeth who are in generally good dental health. They should have realistic expectations about the procedure and what can be achieved.

Benefits and Risks of Crown-Supported Dental Bridges

The primary benefit of having a crown-supported dental bridge is that the process is fast and relatively non-invasive. Patients can have the tooth gap filled quickly, sometimes in as little as two dental visits.

In terms of the risks of treatment, crown-supported dental bridge treatments means alteration of teeth that may be otherwise healthy. In addition, crown-supported dental bridges will not address issues with bone loss and gum recession following tooth loss as dental implants do.

Learn More About Your Restorative Dentistry Options

For more information about dental implants, dental bridges, and your many other options available for treating missing teeth, it's important that you contact our dental care center today. By speaking with Dr. Danny O'Keefe and Dr. Jan Belote, you will be able to receive ample information about your dental care options and needs.