Missing a tooth is more than a cosmetic issue – it can affect the way you chew, talk, and feel about yourself. Luckily, with modern dentistry, there is a great variety of options available to restore your confidence and your health to your smile. The two most popular options for missing teeth are dental implants in Saskatoon and dental bridges. While both dental implants and dental bridges restore your missing teeth in a similar fashion, they differ in function, and they both have their unique advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s go through all the details so you can make an informed choice for your smile.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a modern technology replacement for a missing tooth root. A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed in your jawbone to replace the root of your missing tooth. Over time, as your oral tissues heal, the jawbone fuses to the implant, creating a solid base.
Once your oral tissues have healed enough, your dentist will place your new crown on top of the implant so that it looks and functions like a normal tooth. This process can be considered one of the most successful forms of dental implants.
Key advantages of Implants:
- Durability: Implants can endure 20 years + with great care.
- Natural Looking and Feeling: Implants replace the missing tooth, looking and working just like your natural teeth did.
- Bone Support: Implants maintain the bone in your jaw.
- No Dependence: Bridges and dentures depend on other teeth for support, implants do not.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge literally bridges the gap that is caused by a missing tooth by placing an artificial tooth between two crowns that are fixed onto the teeth adjacent to the empty spot. If you are looking to get dental bridges in Saskatoon, this process can work well for you.
Key advantages of bridges
- Quick Process: Most cases can be done in a very short time period, usually within a few weeks.
- No Surgery: For patients not interested in surgery, bridges are a completely non-invasive option.
- Cost-Effective & Upfront: For the price of dental implants, bridges are generally less expensive.
Discover the right missing teeth solutions for you by contacting your nearest dentist.
Comparing Dental Implants and Bridges
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dental Bridges |
| Lifespan | 20+ years | 7–15 years |
| Procedure | Surgical | Non-surgical |
| Effect on Nearby Teeth | None | Nearby teeth altered |
| Jawbone Preservation | Yes | No |
| Cost | Higher initially | Lower initially |
| Appearance | Very natural | Natural-looking |
| Healing Time | Months | Weeks |
Long-term value and functional benefits
If you are a patient comparing dental restoration options, still viable functional and cosmetic restorative options are available with implants and bridges. While implants usually provide more stability and better bone retention long-term, bridges are less complicated and do not involve surgery.
Things to remember
Not every patient is the same. Your general health, insurance coverage, and how many teeth you are missing all play a role in what is best for you. While implants typically take a longer time and money commitment, bridges serve as a good choice for those who would prefer a quicker, non-surgical restoration option.
Your Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
When it comes to choosing the right dentist in Saskatoon, expert advice matters. That’s where Saskatoon Smiles Dental Studio comes in. We offer tailored care for patients looking for long-term or short-term solutions, whether you’re considering implants or bridges. Our experienced team will help you understand the best restoration options based on your unique needs.
Whether you’re ready to explore dental implants or need help with dental bridges, or just want expert advice from a trusted dentist, we’re here to help.