Am i better getting a single dental impant or a bone graft with a bridge of caps!
Question:
Am i better getting a single dental impant or a bone graft with a bridge of caps> bridge is more costly?
Answers:
You want to replace one missing tooth with either one implanted tooth or a 3-unit bridge, correct? Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage to getting a 3-unit bridge is speed. You can get it done usually in a few weeks, and it's relatively simple to do.
The disadvantages of getting a 3-unit bridge is that you have to shave down teeth on both sides of the gap to put the bridge on, and it compromises their integrity especially if those were intact teeth that never had cavities or fillings. A bridge also requires you to use a floss threader to keep clean, and if you don't keep it clean the teeth holding the bridge will start to decay.
The advantage to the implant is that you treat it like a natural tooth-- You brush and floss it like a regular tooth, and you don't have to use a floss threader unlike the bridge. Also, an implant is made of titanium and will never decay.
The disadvantages of an implant is that it requires invasive surgery to place, and it usually takes 6 months to heal before a tooth can be put onto the post implanted into your bone. The outcome is somewhat more uncertain than a bridge because there are more things that might go wrong: The bone graft might not take, the implant post might not integrate into your bone, etc.
Discuss your options with your dentist and make an informed decision.
Good luck!