A dentist’s decision to recommend a traditional dental bridge instead of a dental implant involves considering several factors pertinent to the patient’s specific needs and oral health profile. This preference often stems from assessments of bone density, the condition of adjacent teeth, the patient’s overall health, and financial constraints.
The selection process weighs the less invasive nature and lower initial cost of a bridge against the long-term durability and bone stimulation provided by an implant. Bridges offer a quicker solution for tooth replacement, requiring less treatment time than implants. Moreover, existing dental conditions, such as compromised adjacent teeth that need crowns anyway, may make a bridge a more suitable option.