Both dental bridges and dental implants are appropriate long-term solutions for missing teeth. The advantage of a dental bridge is that we can complete the process, from planning to placement, in as little as two weeks. But in most 
cases, that's where the advantages end. For the vast majority of patients, dental implants are the clear winner. Here is why:
Benefits of dental implants
- Implants stand alone, so they don’t affect the teeth surrounding them negatively. A bridge requires shaving down and placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the open space. If one part of a bridge fails, we must replace the entire unit. If you something goes wrong your implant, the problem stays with that tooth.
- Implants floss and brush like a tooth. To floss a dental bridge, you need to use floss threaders. This isn't a difficult process, but it does require patience. It's easy to skimp on this step, which puts you at increased risk for decay and gum disease.
- The average lifespan for a dental bridge is 7 to 10 years. If you commit to excellent oral health, your dental implant could last a lifetime.
- Dental implants prevent bone loss. The moment you lose a tooth, the jaw bone around the site starts deteriorating, and you continue to lose as much as 8 to 10 percent of bone every year after that. An implant placed in the site reduces that amount to almost zero, preserving a healthy, strong jaw.
Schedule an implant consultation
Please call our Boise, ID dental office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cantwell. He will be happy to help you decide if a dental implant or bridge is right for you.