Implants vs. Bridges
Dental implants and bridges are the two most natural feeling, functioning and looking ways to replace missing teeth. They both have their positives and negatives. Most of the time, ultimately, implants are more ideal than bridges. Statistically they last longer and are stand alone restorations that add to functional support. Dental implants do have limitations; they may not be an option for someone with adverse health issues, including certain medications, or someone with limited bone for proper placement. Lastly, the amount of time it can take to place them can be a limiting factor. To allow time to adequately heal, proper implant placement following an dental extraction can take as long as 9 months before your final restoration is placed. Sometimes implants can be completed more immediately but it is generally 9 months from extraction to final crown placement. Bridges, on the other hand, can be completed in 2 weeks. The major downfall to bridges is that they are supported from the surrounding teeth. Many times, after several years, bridges can fail due to loss of a supporting tooth for the bridge. Our doctors will be happy to discuss your options with you.
At our dental office in Rapid City, SD, our doctors receive extensive training and have the artistic skill, the state-of-the-art equipment, and the facilities needed to create and place artificial teeth for our Black Hills patients that look and feel just like your own.
