Dental Implant or Bridge?

If you are missing teeth and looking for replacement options, it is important you know the ins and outs of each treatment in order to understand which is best for your specific needs.

Dental Implants vs Bridges: Pros & Cons

Dental Bridges | Upper Bridges | Gum Disease and Implants | Implant Advantages

Plaque build-up, tooth decay, gum disease, a high sugar diet, accidental damage and stress can all contribute to tooth loss amongst adults.

Losing teeth is not uncommon, and replacing them isn’t always just about your appearance.

Replacing a tooth that has fallen or been knocked out will protect you from further damage and improve the oral function of your smile.

Thankfully, here at The Gentle Dental, we have many ways to treat missing teeth today.

Weighing up the differences

Dental Bridges

This option consists of a false tooth suspended by two crowns on either side.

The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth will usually need to be shaved down using a high-speed drill to mount a crown on top of the tooth stubs.

The crowns are fitted on these smaller teeth, filling the empty gap where the missing tooth once was.

However, this can weaken the tooth and reduce its potential lifespan since healthy enamel must be filed away.

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Why dental implants?

This option consists of a false tooth attached to a titanium post and inserted into the jaw bone.

The tooth’s colour is matched to the surrounding teeth to give the appearance of a natural smile, and the implant is usually a lot less noticeable than the dental bridge.

Implants may also help prevent deterioration of the jaw bone because the implant has a false root that stimulates the bone and prevents it from shrinking.

Since the bridge does not contact the jaw bone and there is no root, you may endure future bone loss.

Combining solutions

In some cases where patients have endured a significant loss of several teeth in a row, dentists may recommend a mixed approach, incorporating the benefits of both brides and implants.

See:

So, do I go for a bridge or an implant?

Without knowing your specific case, it is hard to advise which method will be most beneficial.

Although both treatments can be used to target the issue of multiple missing teeth, dental implants are generally the most popular option because of their:

Durability
Oral health benefits
Inconspicuous appearance

Get in contact today

At The Gentle Dental, we believe every patient should be treated with an attentive case-specific approach.

We tailor our treatments to meet your needs, both in terms of your oral health and history and your comfort! Click here for nervous or anxious patient advice.

To reserve an appointment slot online, click here.

Or if you would prefer to book by phone call us on 020 7395 0520.

Gentle Dental Implant & Cosmetic Centre

4.9

Based on 120 reviews

Dawn Swanson

10:27 24 Nov 22

I have been with the Gentle Dental Practice for 8 years, the care and service I have received has always been 5 star. I have recently used their new hygienist Nicky who is great. Looking for a new dentist just contact their very friendly and proffessional team.

George Horsey

18:54 15 Nov 22

Dental Impant Surgery:I had my dental implants fitted recently and I am extremely happy with the outcome. Ali and the team have done an amazing job since I lost my 2 front teeth over 6 years ago. I had to wait for the surgery for a long time due to my age and the issues surrounding having implants at a young age.I finally had the surgery 12 weeks ago and had my two new crowns fitted last week. They look absolutely amazing and the whole procedure was way less painful than I ever thought it would be.I would highly recommend getting your implants done at the Gentle Dental Practice, you won't regret it!A massive thank you to everyone at the practice!

Deeban Skandalingam

12:06 03 Nov 22

Fantastic work on my teeth and I would highly recommend! My teeth turned out better than I had even hoped for. If you are in need of any dental work, you would be doing a great disservice if you didn't speak to this practice first. The staff were extremely friendly, there were text updates and all in all an excellent service from start to finish. If you haven't guessed already, I am thoroughly pleased with The Gentle Dentle. Thank you!

Pippa Harvey

14:54 26 Oct 22

Like many people, I have an immense fear of dentistry, and dentists, due to previous experiences.I had two broken teeth and one that had been treated incorrectly by an NHS dentist. I had been in daily pain for about 18 months, and had been put on a 6 month waiting list by my NHS dentist.I called gentle dental to explain my problem and they offered me a same day appointment. They were kind, compassionate, understanding, patient and validating. I’m not sure anybody ever feels completely comfortable in the chair, but It’s the closest I’ve ever come!The work needed was carried out, all of the staff were kind and welcoming, and it showed me that the dentist doesn’t have to be a dreaded place!Thank you so, so much gentle dental! I will definitely be returning.

Tilesh P

15:45 14 Sep 22

Dental Implants - 3 New Teeth - June 2022I had the most professional and pain free experience when getting my new tooth implants at Gentle Dental. Honestly I put it off for some many years because I just didn't want to go through the pain. But my experience was totally the opposite. Ali and the wonderful girls were there every step of the way. All my questions got answered and I was reassured everything would work out well. And it did. I was worried for no reason.I did think about going abroad to have it done but when you consider the risk factor, time and professional standards - it made no sense to me. I have known Ali for a long time and knew I would be in the best hands and if there were any issues these would could be resolved easily.If you are thinking of having dental implants at Gentle - don't waste any more time. Just book and get it done.Was it painful ? No, uncomfortable for a few days, yes for sure.I just wish I had it done sooner. Thanks guys, love my new teeth 🙂

Edward Crame

13:43 04 Dec 21

Very happy with all aspects of the work they have done. Very clean, professional and well run business.

Lynn Huddart

12:43 24 Nov 21

Dr Ali Rifai was professional and I am very pleased with the outcome of my Invisalign's. I have been with this practice for many years and would highly recommend. The staff are very friendly and nothing is an issue.

Jonathan Plumb

11:52 24 Nov 21

Can't thank this practice enough for all their help. I don't post reviews very often, so when I do, it's because an impression has been left! Dr Ali saw me at short notice to help fix a broken tooth. The nurse (I think her name was Danni) was so helpful and kind, as were the rest of the team. Thank you for being there for me in my hour of need (the same day i asked for an appointment!)

Eva August

07:11 06 Nov 21

I’m so happy to find this practice. I suffer from anxiety and high sensitivity to pain. It was very stressful for me going to dentist after years of fear. The team not only make me calm and welcome but I FELL ASLEEP during treatment with Dr Marshall ! So understanding and caring. Thank you!

Marc Nevitt

11:35 11 Oct 21

I have been using this dentist for well over a decade and can honestly say my teeth would be in a far worse situation if wasn’t for the Gentle Dental practice.My most recent visit was for a filling .. barely felt the injection!I would highly recommend this dentist to anyone, but especially if you’re teeth require a high level of care like mine.

Emma Brauer

08:44 04 Aug 21

This place was recommended to me by family and for a nervous patient the best experience. The reception welcome is cheerful and friendly, beautifully modern area with hot drinks and water on offer.I needed implants, crowns and bridges followed by whitening, so lots of appointments. My dentist Mr Ali Rafai was superb from start to finish, so professional and personable. Throughout the whole process I was cared for wonderfully plus lots of laughs along the way. The constant care during appointments was very comforting, no rushing, and I knew I my needs were Mr Rafai's priority. Plus check up call the next day without fail to make sure everything was going well.Absolutely deserves five stars!

Alan Samuel

13:30 14 Jul 21

Fantastic experience with Ali. It took 18 months including bone grafting, removing and replacing failed dental implants, invisaline for my bottom teeth which were all over the place and some veneers but now I'm delighted with the outcome.Ali was always very clear about how this wasn't an overnight solution in an honest and forthright manner which gave me confidence that he would deliver results.I was offered several overnight solutions from other dentists locally at a fraction of the cost but when I see how much effort and detail that went into my plan, I know i made the right choice.

Kurt Johnson

17:48 14 May 21

I have got no complaints about this Dental Practice. They were all very friendly and accommodating and always professional.My dental treatment was also really good, everything went according to plan and the results are great!I am VERY happy with the outcome and would recommend them anytime!

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