Once the practitioner has gathered the necessary information, the findings should be discussed with the patient. Both bridges and implants can be a predictable, long term solution if they are done under the right conditions. The new 3 dimensional or cone beam x-rays have proven very helpful in the decision making process.
As a general rule, implants have the advantage of preserving bone in your jaw, preserving teeth next to the missing ones by not having to cut them down for a bridge, and in allowing your home care to be similar to what you do for your natural teeth. They can also allow you to have a non-removable restoration in an area where a bridge might not be possible. (For example, where you don't have a natural tooth on each side of the missing one(s) or when you have a long span of missing teeth.
There are still instances however, when a fixed bridge might be the better option, possibly a lack of bone to place an implant or the adjacent teeth are significantly damaged and need to have crowns already (in this case it would be mostly an economic decision to do a bridge instead of an implant).
Which option is better always depends on your individual situation. However, the major advantages for implants in general is that they are more natural, you can brush and floss them normally, they preserve the bone in the area of the missing tooth, and they do not require any changes to other teeth. Bridges require special hygiene techniques, they do not preserve bone, and they require the teeth adjacent to the space to be reduced for crowns. That said, bridges are less expensive and require less time, and are still good restorations in many cases. Your dentist will discuss with you how your specific situation fits with both options.
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Dental Implant

Dental implants are used where there are one or more missing teeth. Implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they may also function as a sturdy anchor for dentures. Because they fuse with your ...
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.