July 11, 2016
Teeth replacements have come a long way in the last 30 years. Missing or extracted teeth raise common concerns of infection, but the proper replacement is the key to a confident smile. Today, however, the questions you need to ask your dentist or prosthodontist are a bit different: What’s the difference between a dental bridge vs. implant? Which treatment option is right for me? Very often the dental implant is ideal, but numerous factors will need to be considered first, including if your tooth loss is recent or happened years ago.
In the past, a bridge was your only choice, and still involves more than just the missing tooth. The adjacent teeth need to be “prepped” by removing most of the enamel in order to fabricate the bridge. With dental implants, however, the dentist replaces just the individual tooth for a result that is stronger and permanent. Nonetheless, a dental bridge may be your best option if the neighboring teeth have large fillings and need crowns or caps in the future. And if the tooth or teeth have been lost for a long time, the gum and bone will have receded and procedures beyond the implant are required before placement. The advantages and disadvantages to both procedures can ultimately be discussed with your dentist.
Your ability to keep your mouth healthy will be easier with an implant. Dental bridges are cemented or “fixed” in the mouth, and involve at least three crowns connected together to fill the space of the missing tooth. This design creates challenges when brushing and flossing, so extra oral hygiene instruction and meticulous home care are crucial. When flossing, in particular, an additional step is needed to thread the floss under the false tooth. In contrast, implants can replace teeth individually without affecting other teeth, making regular home care more successful. You can effectively brush and floss around an implant just like your natural tooth.
RELATED How to Choose a Dentist
Dental implants are more durable than bridges, allowing them to provide protection that lasts a lifetime. The implant’s metal cylinder is normally made of titanium, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), and this material fuses with your jawbone naturally through a process called osseointegration. Because it’s made of such a strong metal, they are very resistant to decay and gum problems. The average life of a dental bridge, on the other hand, is approximately 10 years. A portion of your natural tooth remains beneath it and normal wear may cause the bridge to fail more easily over time. In general, the remaining tooth structure continues to be susceptible to decay and gum disease.
What about aesthetics? There isn’t always a simple answer, but your dentist or prosthodontist – the latter specializes in crown, implants and bridges – will be able to advise you. Often the implant will provide the most pleasing result, as your dentist can make the final tooth look just like your natural enamel. Sometimes, an implant can be placed immediately after a tooth extraction, preserving the natural level of bone and improving the final appearance of the dental work.
The cost of the dental bridge is initially less, but it may need to be replaced at some point in the future. Implants – from preparation to final placement – may seem more expensive, but over time can be more cost-effective. Fortunately, most dental insurance providers are paying for a portion of or all of the steps involved. In addition, implant treatment can be more flexible, allowing patients to budget the cost in increments. After extraction, for example, a bone graft is sometimes needed. This graft typically has to heal for several months before implant placement, at which point osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months before the process is complete.
So, dental bridge vs. implant? Make this decision after consulting with your dentist. He or she knows your mouth best and has the tools and knowledge to guide you through what’s best for it. Although bridges are an older procedure, dental implants have become more commonplace over the years, and in most cases are the preferable treatment both in time and expense.
Donna M. Rounsaville, RDH,BS, colgate.com
Love Dr. Gorbatov! He is skilled, professional, thorough, nice, and always keeps me comfortable. The assistants and office staff are great too. I highly recommend Dr. Gorbatov!
I switched my dentist because i was dissatisfied with their service and decided to go to Dr.Gorbotov's office for my wisdom tooth extraction. I never thought I would see the...
Very professional nice staff great service.
The receptionist goes above and be on for the customers. Excellent service the doctor treats you with all his attention feels like I’m right at home and explain everything detailed....
I have been going to this office now for the past 3 years. From Jessica working the front, to having my teeth cleaned, and both Drs. working on my teeth,...
The dentist fit me in last minute when my normal dentist was unavailable I tried them on the recommendation of a friend after I broke a veneer and had 3...
S u p e r b ...Immaculate dentistry! I was impressed with a GREAT attention to details! His work is truly an ART and priceless! Everyone in the office is...
Thank you doctor for my beautiful smile!
Fast service and the best staff! I highly recommend this Dentist. I've been going to this Dentist for 2 years and I travel far now just to come here. They...
Jessica at the front has helped me tremendously and the Dr has made the large amount of work that I have had done painless
Since me and my wife moved to Florida from Nj several years ago, we were looking for good dentist, the one we can trust. We tried a few but were...
I've been looking for a good dentist since So. FL lacks them. Not anymore, great professional services, and best of all, you will find a personal touch. You will truly...
Entire office & staff is very accommodating and attentive to all your needs. The dentist was very nice and professional and really took the time to explain to me everything...
I had been looking for a dentist for a few months and I was referred to Dr. Gorbatov and I can certainly see why. I've always been a little skeptical...
I’ve been coming here for almost 10 years now and can surely say that the customer service provided is one of the best in town. Make sure to be nice...
Well I’ve been going to Dr. Gorbatov since 1996.... Yes ! I’m a loyal. With all the dental issues I’ve had, he’s been able to resolve them and been keeping...
Wonderful service
I had a great experience with Dr. Dmitry Gorbatov. He was able to save my tooth from getting a root canal. All the staff was really nice, and attentive. I...
I have lived and worked all over North America. One of the greatest challenges of relocating is finding the best dental practice. "Center For Dental Excellence" was recommended to me...
The atmosphere in this office is beyond believe, I instantly felt comfortable with Dr Dimitiri and his assistant Yuri. They work great together. I had 6 veneers put in and...
Wonderful facility and staff, very professional.
Thank you personally and from the bottom of my heart for the kindness and consideration you showed my mom, Catherine the other day! ?
I have been having a lot of issues with my teeth for quiet some time, including broken molars and bad procedures at other dental facilities. I came to Dr. Gorbatov...
I finally found a great dentist who does its all, root canals, caps, and implants. I needed major work on my mouth all at once, although it was expensive because...
I have been going to Dr Gorbatov at A Center For Dental Excellence for many years now and their use of "Excellence" isn't just a marketing ploy and they definitely...
Very high professionalism, excellent atmosphere and responsiveness of employees have made this business one of the best. A well-functioning team led by one of the best professionals of the US...
High-level professionals. Thank you, Dr. Gorbatov. I'm going to recommend your clinic to my friends. With best regards!
I would like say that this office is at the TOP of my list. The staff is awesome, it is very clean and you made at home as soon as...
I recommend this place to anyone that needs any type of dental work done , I always feel welcome from the moment i sign in untill my visit is over...
No teeth fell out mid cleaning. 10/10
From the minute I walked in the dr Gorbatov office till the and of my treatment I was pleasantly surprised with professionalism and care of Dr and his staff. I...
I was very fortunate to find Dr. Gorbatov right when I had a major issue with an old crown that fell off and led to a major infection just a...
I have been with the dentist for a few years now and love the care I receive. You are taken care of from the front desk person, through your visit!...
This is the Best Dental Office I ever was. Great personality, gentle touch and perfectionism in all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Thank you Dr. Gorbatov for creating Smile I always...
Excellent service , friendly & professional !!!
Excellent Service! Friendly, Clean and Prompt!
Thank you Dr. Gorbatov for the great experience, your gentle touch and quality work you have done on my teeth. I have been very pleased with your professional, yet personable...
Good quality office, and dental work.
Very professional office. Good dentist.Clean dental office
A Center for Dental Excellence is fantastic. They’re understanding and extremely competent. Not only is the dental care itself excellent, but their quality of caring about their patients is unparalleled....
Dr. Gorbatov placed an implant for me, I am extremely happy with the result, I had absolutely no pain during the procedure after few month doctor put a crown, looks...
I want to say that I never write reviews. However I have to say that this dentist center is amazing! From the moment you enter you feel like family. Everyone...
Painless, professional and efficient. Dr Gorbatov is great!
I have been Dr. Gorbatov's patient for over 8 years and have always received excellent service. The facility and staff are wonderful. I would highly recommend A Center for Dental...
Love the staff and great service!!
What a great experience at the dentist!! I wish I had found these guys years ago, maybe I wouldn't be so afraid of the dentist. Thought I needed a root...
I feel I have the best care possible under Dr. Gorbatov and his team. His work is top quality and because of him I know my teeth and the health...
The dentist is very friendly and gentle during procedures.
Very helpful and amazing response time! Found them on Instagram and I'm happy I did!
Very good cleaning
Dr. Gorbatov is an excellent dentist whose main priority is making sure his patients are comfortable and get the best dentistry he can offer. He provides an attentive service, and...
Incredible how I was just taking my mother to her dentist appointment to me ending up becoming a patient, Jessica greeted me with such warmth and compassion and immediately noticed...
Loved coming here, very nice Doctor and wonderful experience with a great cleaning. Receptionist is awesome too.
Dr. Gorbatov is an outstanding dental surgeon and professional in every sense of the word. He and his entire staff are wonderful--- by far the most knowledgeable and compassionate of...
I always have a great experience when I come here, the staff is wonderful and I would not change my dental office for anything in the world.. Jessica is amazing...
Been going here forever and they do an excellent job with all your dental needs and even with cosmetic dentistry as well!
When I first found this office I was terrified of the dentist and I had constant anxiety when seeing dentists. Now I look forward to cleanings and my anxiety is...
I went to the office to get teeth cleaning! The receptionist was overwhelmed with something, but she was the sweetest. My dental hygienist did great job, made sure I feel...
Very happy with quick service, suggestions & prices. Will be a repeat customer
Very impressed with Dr. Gorbatov's ethics. He truly cared about my situation, the fact that I was from another city and had limited time off of work to address my...
I had a procedure done by Dr. Gorbatov, it was amazing, I didn't feel anything, he has very gentle hands and techniques and I didn't even feel the shot! I...
My experience was great.Doctor is very professional.I really recommend.The best place to go for your dental.
I are retired dentist and visit dr Gorbatov,s office like a patien for dental works. We graduate the same school New York university and l can tell you the dr...
Had an amazing experience. Staff was very caring and nice. They are very honest
Hello, Dr.Gorbatov is truly THE BEST ,so please just forget about all the rest! I truly witnessed MIRACLE IN MAKING!!! My sister now have a MOVIE STAR SMILE! Thank you...
This is IT!!!! As good as it gets!!! If you want a celebrity smile call his number.
This is the best dentist in the world who really cares about each and every patient and makes your smile look perfect! After visiting the new office you will be...
I take my 90yr great grandmother to this office and they are so kind and she feels so loved here. Every visit she receives excellent service and quality work. Thank...
I know Dr. Gorbatov and use his service already for 15 years since we moved to Florida. He is an amazing doctor capable to do all types of dental and...
You are the best guys! You definitely make me smile more :) Thank you sooooo much! Olga Aksenova ❤️
Great service Knowledgeable doctor Friendly staff 5+ stars!! Someone hacked into my account and gave false review. Not me!!! Outstanding service @ Dr Gorbatov Dentistry!!!!
Awesome service. Highly recommended
Had a great experience with Dr.Gorbatov, he is really professional and doing great his job always with a smile)) Definitely recommending him
Great staff I was nervous but they made me feel at ease. I am confident that they will give me the smile that I airways wanted. The receptionist personality is...
For me, dental work always came with the presumption of pain and discomfort. That's why it was always very difficult to get any recommended work done, because all I'd have...
Dr. Gorbatov was very thorough and went over all concerns I had (I'm not really a fan of the dentist). He is definitely the nicest Dentist I have ever been...
First time here the staff and Dr were so informative and professional thank you for making my experience run so smooth ?
I've been looking for a good dentist since So. FL lacks them. Not anymore, great professional services, and best of all, you will find a personal touch. You will truly...
Absolutely amazing. Jess and Jessica at the front made me feel so comfortable and helped me conquer my fear of the dentist. The office is clean and welcoming I completely...
Everyone in the office is super amazingly fantastic! They're informative and understanding. Dr. Gorbatov has done great work on my teeth! The dental hygienist has been a charm, makes every...
Dr. Gorbatov is an excellent dentist. I went to several other dentist and they all wanted to do a root canal, but Dr. Gorbatov was able to save my tooth....