Missing a tooth can impact far more than your smile. It can affect your confidence, how you eat, and even your jawbone health. At Hollywood Family Dentistry in Portland, many patients ask the same question:
“Should I get a dental implant or a dental bridge?”
Both are trusted and effective tooth replacement options — but they differ in how they work, their longevity, and their impact on surrounding teeth. Let’s explore each option so you can make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium or ceramic post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over a few months, it fuses naturally with the bone — a process known as osseointegration. Once healed, a custom crown is attached, creating a tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural one.
Benefits of Dental Implants
When considering tooth replacement, many patients weigh the options of Dental Implants vs. Bridges to find the best solution for their needs.
- Preserve jawbone health: Implants stimulate your bone just like natural tooth roots, helping prevent bone loss over time.
- Protect neighboring teeth: Implants don’t rely on or damage adjacent teeth.
- Natural look and feel: Implants blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
- Long-lasting solution: With proper care, implants can last decades — often for life.
Things to Consider
- You’ll need sufficient bone density to support the implant (bone grafting may be required in some cases).
- Healing and restoration take time — typically a few months.
- The initial cost is higher, but implants often have lower long-term maintenance costs.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge fills the gap of a missing tooth by using the teeth on either side as anchors. These supporting teeth are reshaped and fitted with crowns, which hold the artificial tooth (called a pontic) in place.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Faster treatment: Most bridges can be completed in just 1–2 dental visits.
- No surgery required: It’s a non-surgical procedure, making it less invasive.
- Cost-effective: Bridges typically have a lower initial cost and are often covered by insurance.
Things to Consider
- Supporting teeth must be filed down, which can weaken them.
- Bridges do not prevent bone loss in the area of the missing tooth.
- Special cleaning tools are needed to floss under the bridge.
To explore how bridges can restore your smile, visit our Crown and Bridge Services in Portland
Dental Implants vs. Bridges: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Dental Implant | Dental Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Preserves Bone | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Affects Nearby Teeth | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Time to Complete | Several months | 1–2 weeks |
| Initial Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | Brush and floss normally | Requires special flossing tools |
| Longevity | 15+ years (often lifetime) | 5–10 years |
Which Option Is Best for You?
Both dental implants and bridges are reliable, aesthetic options for replacing missing teeth — the right choice depends on your individual situation.
You may be a good candidate for dental implants if:
- You have healthy gums and sufficient bone density.
- You’re looking for a long-term, natural-feeling solution.
- You’re comfortable with a longer healing period and higher initial cost.
A dental bridge might be the better choice if:
- You prefer a quicker, non-surgical option.
- You have medical conditions that prevent surgery.
- You’re looking for a more affordable short-term solution.
At Hollywood Family Dentistry, we evaluate your oral health, bone levels, and lifestyle to guide you toward the best treatment plan. Sometimes, a combination of both options may be used for a complete smile restoration.
Restoring Your Smile, Your Way
Both dental implants and dental bridges can beautifully restore your smile and confidence. The key is finding the treatment that aligns with your health goals, budget, and comfort.
At Hollywood Family Dentistry in Portland, Dr. Jaime Holtz and our caring team take the time to:
- Review your oral health and bone structure
- Explain each treatment option clearly
- Create a custom restoration plan tailored to your needs
Whether you’re considering a single implant or a dental bridge, we’ll ensure you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to replace a missing tooth and want to explore dental implants vs. bridges, schedule a consultation with our Portland dental team today.
We’ll help you understand your options and design a personalized solution for a strong, natural-looking smile.
👉 Book your appointment today and take the first step toward restoring your confidence!
Our Services
Crown and Bridge in Portland | Tooth Filling in Portland | Dental Implants in Portland | Invisalign in Portland | Teeth Whitening in Portland | Veneers | Root Canal Treatment | Pediatric Treatment
