Should you Replace Your Bridge or Get Implants?

Should you Replace Your Bridge or Get Implants?

Recently one of my patients was struggling with the decision of whether to replace an existing bridge with a replacement bridge or with dental implants. I explained the pros and cons to her and she is considering her options. With the increasing popularity of dental implants (due in large to technology improvements which enable dentists to place dental implants with more predictable results than in the past), there are many people in her situation, grappling with the question of what is the best solution to their dental problem. Here are the considerations when trying to decide whether to replace your bridge with a replacement bridge or dental implants:

Pros of Replacement Bridge:

1. A replacement bridge will be less expensive than dental implants.
2. You are familiar with the functionality of and care for a bridge, so you won’t experience much change in your oral hygiene habits.

Cons of Replacement Bridge:

1. The average life of a new or first bridge is about 12 years, although some of our patients have bridges that have lasted 30+ years). Life span length is dependent on care & supporting natural teeth stability.
2. The average life span of a second bridge is about 9-12 years. The second bridge life span usually is not as long as the patient’s original bridge. This is because the factors that contributed to the original bridge failure have been exacerbated with function over time.
3. A replacement bridge can fail, 60% of the time due to the loss of one of the two teeth that support it.
Pros of Implants
1. Easier to maintain & perform home care
2. Implants have a 95-98% success rate over a 30 year time span (dependent on patient care)
3. Stabilizes bone & reduces or eliminates loss
4. Lower “Lifetime” cost

Cons of Implants
1. Higher Initial Cost
2. Known risks associated with any oral surgical procedures

If you are wondering whether implants are the best solution to your dental problem, contact us at (703) 565-2503. We will provide you the information you need to decide on the treatment plan which best meets your needs.