Dental Bridge
✅ Pros:
- Faster process – Usually completed in 1–2 weeks after the supporting teeth are prepared.
- Good esthetics – Can blend in naturally with your other teeth.
- Non-surgical – No surgery needed, which may be appealing to some patients.
❌ Cons:
- Tooth reduction required – The healthy teeth next to the gap (abutments) must be filed down for crowns, which can weaken them.
- Bone loss continues – Because no implant is placed in the jaw, the underlying bone where the tooth is missing may gradually shrink.
- Shorter lifespan – Bridges typically last 7–15 years before replacement or repair is needed.
- More prone to complications – If one supporting tooth fails, the whole bridge may need replacement.
Dental Implant
✅ Pros:
- Preserves natural teeth – No need to grind down adjacent teeth.
- Prevents bone loss – Implant stimulates the jawbone like a natural tooth root.
- Long-lasting – With proper care, implants can last decades, often a lifetime.
- Stronger and more stable – Feels and functions very much like a natural tooth.
- Easier maintenance – You can floss and brush around it like a normal tooth (no special cleaning tools needed like under a bridge).
❌ Cons:
- Longer process – Healing after implant surgery can take several months before the final crown is placed.
- Surgical procedure – Requires oral surgery and adequate bone structure (sometimes bone grafting).
- Healing risks – Rare but possible complications include implant failure or infection.
Which is better?
- Choose a bridge if you want a faster, non-surgical solution, and you don’t mind altering healthy teeth.
- Choose an implant if you want the most natural, long-lasting, and bone-preserving option, and are willing to invest more time upfront.
📞 Call us today at 843-651-6776 or visit lcfamilydentistry.com to schedule an appointment and experience comfortable dentistry in Murrells Inlet.
Dr. Jordan Brown DMD is a practicing dentist at Lowcountry Family Dentistry in Murrells Inlet, SC.
