Dental BridgesIf you have a missing tooth, there are a couple of options that you’ll likely consider when having that tooth replaced. In this blog post, we are going to talk specifically about one of those options – dental bridges. As is often the case with a dental procedure, there are pros and cons associated with dental bridges that you will need to weigh before making a decision. The other main option in this situation – a dental implant – comes with its own list of pros and cons. In the end, the right decision is the one that best matches up with your needs and leads to the best possible outcome in both the short- and long-term.

To start with, it is important to understand that you are not going to have to make this decision alone. While you play a key role in the decision-making process, of course, you will also be able to consult with the team here at Spokane Dental to make sure the right option is selected. We have the knowledge and experience to help you make the right choice, so feel free to ask questions and think everything over before deciding how to proceed. You should never feel like you are on your own with regard to this kind of important choice, and you won’t be when you work for Spokane Dental.

With that said, let’s look at some of the pros and cons associated with dental bridges.

Pro - A Quick Solution

When you lose a tooth, you probably don’t want to wait very long to have it replaced. If one of your goals is to have this issue resolved as soon as possible, a dental bridge is a strong candidate. Typically, this process can be completed in just a couple visits, where it will take longer to have a dental implant put in place. You don’t want to think only about speed when making this decision, as it is an important choice and you should take the big picture into consideration, but bridges are a nice option when you’d like to settle the matter as soon as you can.

Con – Difficulty Cleaning

One of the leading issues with dental bridges is the difficulty that you may experience trying to clean the affected area. Without the ability to clean this part of your mouth properly, you may run into decay issues later down the line. It is not necessarily impossible to keep your dental bridge and the surrounding area clean, but it may be more difficult than with a dental implant. Since good oral hygiene is such a key component of long-term oral health, this is an issue that should not be taken lightly. If you do opt for a dental bridge, be sure to speak with your dentist about the proper way to care for it and the rest of your mouth.

Pro – An Economical Choice

If you are concerned with the potential cost of a dental implant, a bridge may be an alternative that is nicer to your bank account. The cost of the procedure is generally going to be lower than other options, so you’ll be able to enjoy savings right up front. With that said, you may wind up incurring additional costs down the line as a result of some of the negative aspects of dental bridges. So, in the end, it’s possible that this will be the costlier option, even though it is more affordable at the start. It’s always important to weigh the financial obligations that come with any kind of dental care, but you also need to think about your oral health and doing what is best for your mouth.

Con – Possibly Not the Right Look

This point is going to be a matter of personal preference, but for some patients, a dental bridge does not offer the aesthetic they desire. Most would agree that this option does not look as natural as a dental implant, so it is more likely to be noticed by others. You’ll need to decide how much the aesthetic side of the equation matters to you, and you can ask your dentist about what the finished product would be expected to look like after the work is done. Obviously, replacing a tooth in a prominent part of your mouth is going to be more obvious to others than a tooth which is off to the side.

Pro and Con – Durability

Dental bridges are generally a durable solution, and they can be expected to last a significant amount of time. Obviously, the exact length of time that your dental bridge will depend on several factors, including how well you take care of it over the years. However, they may not last as long as a properly installed dental implant, and you might get to a point where you need to have your bridge replaced. Each case is different, so speak to your dentist about how long a bridge would be expected to last in your case.

At Spokane Dental in Spokane WA, we would love to help you decide on the right option to replace a missing tooth. For some patients, dental bridges make a lot of sense, as you can see from the positive points which have been included in this post. On the other hand, they aren’t right for all patients or all situations, so considering all options is still advisable. This is a big decision, and there is no sense in rushing it before you’ve had a chance to talk it over with a professional. You can expect to get great advice and friendly care when you visit Spokane Dental for your oral health needs.