Six Reasons Why An Implant Is Better Than A Bridge

Bridges are bad news! I have been saying this for over 15 years but many dentists still suggest bridges because it can lead to a quicker result BUT NOT a better result. Here are 6 reasons why!

1) WEAKENING OF BRIDGED TEETH

A bridge results in the teeth adjacent to the empty space between them to be cut down. The dentist has to file and drill them down which weakens the teeth.

2) DAMAGE TO THE ROOT CANAL

Filing the teeth down adds a major risk and damage to the root canal inside thee teeth. I often have to cut through the brand new bridge to do a root canal.

3) INCREASED RISK OF TOOTH DECAY

Bridges lead to food impaction, plaque retention, and make it close to impossible to clean properly. Saliva which is responsible for repair and calcification of teeth, is blocked dramatically increasing the risk of tooth decay and tooth loss.

4) INCREASED RISK OF TOOTH FRACTURE

The teeth that support the bridge are forced to carry extra load and the resultant physical forces on them often lead to root fracture. When this happens, the only solution is to dismantle the bridge and remove the fractured teeth. Then what? I call this, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE!

5) INCREASED RISK FOR GUM DISEASE

The plaque and food retention together with the increased risk of tooth decay often result in gingivitis or gum disease. Bleeding gums and sometimes soreness are the initial signs of this but often it is asymptomatic and goes unnoticed by the patient. This then can lead to bone loss which is impossible to reverse. 

6) ROOT CANAL INFECTION AND SYSTEMIC SPREAD OF DISEASE

Once the tooth decay spreads to the root canal, the bacteria travel down the root canal system into the surrounding jaw bone. This is often without pain or other symptoms. The risk of these bacteria spreading through your body and affecting other organs in the system is well documented in the research. The video posted here explains this in more detail. Watch it and become a savvy patient!