Bridge vs All-on-4 Dental Implants

Many patients with missing or failing teeth face a dilemma: whether to opt for a dental bridge or dental implants. Whereas a dental bridge is a low-cost dental restoration option, dental implants are a more stable and more permanent solution. 

In addition to the like-natural appearance of a custom-made set of teeth attached to high-quality implants, the success rate of dental implant procedures is a whopping 95%. Furthermore, all-on-4 dental implants patients in Murrieta get are the most cost-effective dental implant option.

But for many patients, implant cost does play a key role when it comes to finding a replacement for missing or failing teeth.

So what are the actual differences between individual dental bridges and All-on-4 dental implants?

Is bridging better than All-on-4 implants?

Both dental implants and dental bridges are excellent solutions for patients who need to find a replacement for their natural teeth and restore function to the area of a missing tooth or teeth.  Both of these procedures normally require multiple appointments with an oral surgeon. Still, there are differences to consider. 

This is where treatment consultation and planning comes into play, as it helps you truly understand the differences between these two solutions. One of the key differences is that a bridge only replaces one/two teeth, while dental implants can replace one or multiple missing teeth. All-on-4 dental implants replace multiple missing teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both.

The pros and cons of a dental bridge

When you get a bridge, a replacement tooth is attached to two healthy teeth which provide support. This is one of the key advantages of dental implants: the time required for completion is relatively short, as full completion requires only several weeks. But there is a major caveat to be mindful of: the healthy teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are damaged in the process. 

Another disadvantage is that dental bridges do not involve replacing the missing root structure, which means the patient is at an increased risk of bone loss down the line. Keeping a bridge clean and healthy requires extensive maintenance performed diligently and frequently. Special threaded floss is used to keep the area clean and prevent irritation and gum loss which bacteria buildup can cause. 

The pros and cons of a dental implant

A dental implant does replace the root structure of the missing tooth, which is the key advantage of this procedure. In case of individual implants, this artificial root anchors the replacement tooth in place, adding stability and helping maintain healthy bone tissue in the area. In case of All-on-4 dental implants, a dental bridge is attached to 4 or more implants.

A dental implant therefore plays a protective function. This self-supporting dental restoration option also requires simple care, much like a natural tooth. 

Another vital advantage is that the neighboring teeth are not damaged in the process. The timespan needed for completion is longer than in the case of dental bridges, but that is why your doctor will place a temporary tooth in place of the missing one during the healing process. 

Which is cheaper: All-on-4 tooth implants or a bridge?

In terms of long-term functionality, dental implants are far better than any existing alternative. All-on-4 dental implants are much more affordable than individual dental implants. Although a dental bridge costs less, it only replaces a single tooth and requires damage to the healthy structure of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. It is also more demanding in terms of maintenance and care, which has an impact on the longevity and the potential far-reaching ramifications of this dental restoration option.

How long do All-on-4 implant bridges last?

Unlike individual dental bridges which are not a reliable long-term solution, dental implants can change a person’s life for the better in the long term. All-on-4 dental implants with a zirconia or porcelain dental bridge can be a lifetime solution for patients who are diligent about frequent, proper care which involves regular brushing and flossing.

Quality all-on-4 dental implants in Murrieta: just what you need

Failing, non-restorable teeth, missing teeth, severe gum disease, bone loss, removable dentures, all these things can become a thing of the past, and it does not have to cost an outrageous amount of money. Our digitized workflow for the All-on-4 procedure enables us to provide a precise service to inclined patients in Murrieta and other parts of Riverside County at a lower cost. 

In an effort to make your All-on-4 procedure as comfortable as possible, we go all out and offer our patients a range of anesthesia options so they can choose the one they feel most comfortable with. 

Additionally, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for this procedure. Each patient has unique needs, which is why we will take any additional factors into account to help you make the right decision. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation with our very own Dr. Tsvetov.