A missing tooth changes more than your smile. It can change the way your bite sits, making chewing uneven, and gradually weaken the bone beneath your gums, a process that can start happening within weeks of losing a tooth. 

Most people don’t realize how quickly these changes add up until things like uneven tooth wear, problems with neighboring teeth, or a slight change in their reflection happen. This is why two of the most common ways to replace a tooth, dental implants and dental bridges, matter so much when you’re trying to get life back to normal. 

Read on to explore the most-asked questions about permanent tooth replacement treatments, including how much each option costs, how long it lasts, and where to find the best dentist in Weehawken for restorative dental treatment options. 

What is the Difference Between Dental Implants and Dental Bridges?

Many people ask, “Are dental implants or a dental bridge better for replacing missing teeth?” because they want to know which option looks and feels most natural. While both treatments replace a missing tooth, they offer very different experiences and have a different effect on your future dental health: 

  • A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw where the tooth root once was, and it is later topped with a custom-made dental crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Getting one or more dental implants usually requires a few appointments and a six-month healing period to allow the implants to fuse to the jawbone. During this time, you’ll have a temporary crown that will be replaced with a permanent crown after the healing period. 
  • A dental bridge, on the other hand, relies on the strength of the neighboring teeth, which are shaped to hold a prosthetic tooth that fills the empty space. A dental bridge is a non-invasive dental procedure that can be completed in one to two appointments. 

The biggest difference between these two tooth replacement treatments lies in structure, stability, and bone support: a dental implant replaces the tooth root from the ground up, while a dental bridge spans the gap by anchoring to the teeth on either side.

Dental Implants vs. Costs and Dental Insurance 

Many people start comparing dental implants and bridges by looking at the price. A bridge often has a lower upfront cost. While implants typically cost more at first, they last significantly longer and can help prevent future dental issues caused by a deteriorating jawbone. As a result, most people consider the higher upfront price worth it. Dental insurance can help offset some of the costs of either treatment. Additionally, payment plans and credit lines can also help make implants or a bridge fit your budget.

Do Dental Implants Last Longer Than a Dental Bridge?

People who choose dental implants often describe a steady, natural feel because the implant sits in the jaw like a real root and can last for decades with good dental care. Dental bridges are different: they rely on neighboring teeth for support and typically need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. 

It's important to note that dental bridges do not prevent jawbone loss, and some people notice bite changes, shifting teeth, or subtle changes in facial appearance as the jawbone continues to shrink over time.

Dental Implants: Understanding the Procedure and Recovery

Choosing dental implants requires understanding what the procedure and recovery will be like: 

  • After a comprehensive exam and dental X-rays, your dentist can recommend whether dental implants are a good choice for you based on your oral health. If you have any tooth decay or signs of gum disease, these conditions must be addressed before undergoing a dental implant. 
  • Getting a dental implant requires a minor surgery. During this time, local anesthesia and dental sedation make the process feel quick and easy. 
  • After surgery, you’ll begin a three- to six-month recovery period during which your new implant integrates with your jawbone. During this time, you’ll have a temporary crown that allows you to eat and speak normally. 
  • After healing, a permanent crown will be placed, completing your custom restoration. 

To keep your dental implant looking and functioning at its best, you'll need to be diligent about a few things: 

  • Keeping up with your regular dental appointments and professional dental cleanings every six months to keep your teeth and gums free from plaque and tartar that can weaken your restoration
  • Good oral hygiene at home with twice-a-day brushing and flossing
  • Avoiding biting into hard objects like ice or using your teeth as tools, as both of these habits can break your dental restoration 

The Effect of Missing a Tooth on the Jawbone and Facial Aesthetics

Missing a tooth does more than leave a visible gap in your smile, as the bone beneath the empty space begins to shrink because it no longer receives the pressure and stimulation a natural root once provided. This can gradually change the shape of the jaw and the profile of the face. Some people notice a slight hollowing near the cheeks or a shift in their bite, but these small changes become more noticeable over time. Replacing the tooth with a dental implant helps maintain bone density and supports the natural contours of the face.

Finding the Best Dentist in Weehawken for Dental Implants and Other Restorative Dental Treatments

Choices about your dental health are easier when you work with a dentist who explains things clearly and treats your concerns with real respect. This is exactly why so many patients from Hoboken, Bulls Ferry, Edgewater, and West New York choose Skyline Dental Designs. 

At our state-of-the-art dental office, we guide patients through each step in a steady, unhurried manner. For restorative dentistry, Dr. Kaplan blends technical skill with the calm confidence that comes from years of focused training and hands-on experience.