Which is better? Dental implants or a fixed bridge?
// November 19th, 2009 // Periodontal Surgery
If you’re missing a tooth, either your dentist or someone you know has probably had the discussion with you about how you should replace it. No matter how you slice it, the two most common replacement options always boils down to these two: Dental implant vs. a fixed bridge. Which is right for you?
Rather than re-hash my point-of-view as a periodontist, here’s a neat link to the New York Times on their recent article about this very subject.
As a restorative dentist I would offer the following. While both an implant and a fixed bridge can offer a great service and good longevity, the implant restoration in most cases is preferred. This is becasue the implant keeps the issue as a one-tooth problem. The fixed bridge includes teeth on either side and therfore makes it a more complicated restoration. There are times when an implant can’t be done-medical, space problems, bone issues- but otherwise look at the implant as the better choice.
Dr. Brown, this is good advice!