Bridge or implant? Explanations from Studio Dentaire in Lyon

Do you need to have one or more teeth replaced and are wondering which solution is best for you: a bridge or an implant?

Studio Dentaire, a dental implantology practice in Lyon 3rd district, helps you to see things more clearly…

What’s the difference between dental implants and dental bridges?

Although both solutions are designed to replace a missing tooth, a dental implant and a bridge are two completely different things. Adental implant is a small screw made of titanium, a biocompatible metal, which is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. Once the bone has healed around the implant and integrated it perfectly (this is called osseointegration), an abutment can be attached to it, followed by a ceramic crown to replace the visible part of the tooth. In the case of a dental bridge, a fixed prosthesis replacing the crown of the tooth is suspended from the two side teeth, which are used as abutments to support it. This structure forms a “bridge”, which professionals call a dental pontic.

Advantages and disadvantages of dental implants

Titanium dental implants have the advantage of an excellent integration rate and a long service life – an average of 15 years or more, depending on the patient’s lifestyle and oral health. They leave no metal margins to show through, and deliver a natural look thanks to a custom-made ceramic crown that reproduces the transparency and brightness of a natural tooth. Unlike bridgework, they do not require devitalization of the side teeth, and are therefore often preferred by dentists when both side teeth are to be crowned, as they are when they are healthy. Disadvantages include the high cost of replacing a tooth, since you have to pay for the implant, the abutment and a ceramic or porcelain crown all at once, and the 3-6 month delay before the crown can be fitted, which corresponds to the average healing time following implant placement.

Advantages and disadvantages of dental bridges

To fit a dental bridge, the two adjacent teeth used as abutments need to be devitalized before being trimmed back slightly. This “devitalization” can be problematic if the teeth are healthy, and can be a source of concern for some patients. Nevertheless, the aesthetic advantage of a bridge is that it looks more natural than a crowned implant in terms of the gap between tooth and gum. Even if the prosthesis is actually suspended, the replaced tooth actually appears to emerge from the gum thanks to a meticulous procedure by specialists like those at Studio Dentaire, which allows the gum to swell; a gum graft can also be considered to gain height if required.

A choice that depends on each individual’s situation

As we’ve seen, both implants and bridges have their merits. But, in the end, what will determine the choice of one or the other of these options is your oral situation: do you have one or more teeth to replace? Where are they positioned? Are adjacent teeth in good health? What is your budget (excluding social security reimbursements)? To make sure you don’t make a mistake, it’s essential to turn to a dentist specialized in implantology and dental prostheses, who will be able to assess the situation with you and advise you. This is precisely what Le Studio Dentaire in Lyon offers. Established in 1999, just a stone’s throw from the Part-Dieu shopping center and train station, our dental practice offers you customized support and a comprehensive approach to ensure your long-term oral health. When you come to see us, we offer you a complete check-up before proposing a unique treatment program designed especially for you.

We are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 6.15pm, to answer your questions or make an appointment.