Dental Implants Beat Bridges: Root-to-Crown Replacement
Modern dentistry offers patients a wide range of options for replacing missing teeth. While dentures, partials, and dental bridges have been traditional solutions for years, a more modern and permanent option is gaining popularity: dental implants are better than a bridge.
Unlike traditional bridges or removable dentures, dental implants in Tacoma provide a comprehensive restoration. They replace the entire tooth structure—from the visible crown above the gumline down to the root embedded in your jawbone.
This distinction isn’t just technical; it offers serious long-term benefits for your oral health, appearance, and quality of life. If you’re seeking the best dental treatments in Lakewood, Washington, or the surrounding areas of Pierce County, understanding why dental implants are better than a bridge could help you make the right decision for your smile and your future.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Tooth—and Why It Matters
Before diving into why implants are better than bridges, let’s discuss the components of a natural tooth:
- Crown: The visible part of your tooth, used for chewing and aesthetics.
- Root: The hidden portion beneath the gumline that anchors the tooth into the jawbone.
Tooth loss involves the loss of both the crown and the root. Replacing only the crown (as bridges and dentures do) may restore some function and appearance, but ignoring the root can lead to a series of long-term oral health issues.
Dental implants, however, are the only solution that fully replaces both parts, and implants require proper placement to replicate the natural tooth structure. This is more significant than most people realize.
How Dental Implants Work (And Why They’re Different)
A dental implant consists of three main components:
- Implant Post: A titanium screw that is surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root.
- Abutment: A connector that attaches to the implant and supports the final crown.
- Crown: A custom-crafted prosthetic tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
This root-to-crown structure gives implants a unique advantage over other restorations. They replicate both the appearance and function of natural teeth.
Dental implants are available for good candidates only, ensuring the procedure provides the best long-term results. For patients in Lakewood or the greater Pierce County area, this means a restoration that helps prevent further tooth loss, bone deterioration, and changes to facial appearance over time.
The Problems with Bridges and Dentures
They Only Replace the Crown
Dental bridges and dentures only restore the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline. Denture implant-only solutions, on the other hand, replace both the crown and the root, providing full support and stimulation for the jawbone. Traditional restorations do not, which can lead to bone shrinkage and weakness in the area of the missing tooth over time.
Jawbone Loss and Facial Collapse
Without stimulation from a tooth root or implant, your jawbone begins to deteriorate. This bone loss not only weakens the foundation for surrounding teeth, but it can also cause visible changes in your face, such as sagging cheeks, a prematurely aged appearance, and difficulty with speech and chewing.
Damage to Neighboring Teeth
A traditional bridge requires the grinding down of two healthy teeth adjacent to the gap to anchor the prosthetic tooth. This weakens those teeth and increases their risk of decay, sensitivity, and even future tooth loss.
Higher Long-Term Costs
Patients typically need to replace bridges every 7–10 years. Dentures require ongoing relines, adjustments, and eventual replacement. Over several decades, these seemingly cheaper options can become more expensive and inconvenient than denture implant-only solutions that provide long-lasting results.
The Benefits of Replacing the Root with a Dental Implant
Understanding the importance of replacing the tooth root.
Prevents Bone Loss
Implants stimulate the jawbone just like a natural tooth root does. This prevents bone resorption (shrinking), maintains your facial structure, and supports long-term oral health. Dental implants also restore your smile, giving you confidence in both appearance and function.
Maintains Facial Shape
Bone loss from missing teeth can result in a diminished facial structure. By preserving bone volume, dental implants help you maintain a fuller, more youthful facial appearance.
Stable, Permanent Function
Because implants are anchored directly into your jawbone, they offer the most secure and stable chewing force. You can eat steak, nuts, apples—whatever you like—without fear of movement or discomfort. Experienced providers place implants to achieve the highest success rates, ensuring predictable and reliable results.
Doesn’t Harm Nearby Teeth
Unlike bridges, implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. This means no grinding down healthy enamel, no added stress on adjacent teeth, and better preservation of your overall dental health.
Longevity That Pays Off
With proper care, dental implants can last 20 years or more, often a lifetime. They’re a one-time investment with long-term value, especially when placed by a skilled Lakewood, WA dentist experienced in implant dentistry.
Real-Life Example: Bridge vs. Implant Over 20 Years
Let’s look at a side-by-side comparison over two decades:
| Treatment | Initial Cost | Lifespan | Maintenance | Total Cost Over 20 Years | Bone Preservation |
| Dental Bridge | $2,000–$4,000 | 7–10 years | Replace once or twice | $4,000–$8,000 | No |
| Dental Implant | $3,000–$6,000 | 20+ years | Minimal | $3,000–$6,000 | Yes |
The difference is clear: dental implants may cost more upfront, but they save time, money, and health in the long run.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Many people in Lakewood and Pierce County qualify for implants, even if they’ve been missing teeth for years. Ideal candidates generally:
- Have good overall health
- Have healthy gums
- Have enough jawbone density (or are open to bone grafting if needed)
- Don’t smoke or are willing to quit before and after surgery
Even if you’ve been told in the past that you weren’t a candidate, advancements in implant technology and bone grafting techniques may now make it possible. Some patients may need a dental crown only, while others can benefit from a full implant restoration. A consultation with a qualified Lakewood dentist can help determine your options.
What’s the Process Like?
Getting dental implants involves a few steps over several months, but the payoff is long-term.
Consultation & 3D Imaging
Your dentist evaluates your bone health and creates a custom treatment plan.
Implant Placement
Your dentist surgically places the implant post into your jaw. Healing typically takes 3–6 months.
Abutment & Crown Placement
After healing, your dentist attaches a connector and crown, completing your new replacement teeth for the missing tooth.
Most patients report minimal discomfort and are surprised at how simple and painless the process is.
Can Implants Replace Multiple Teeth?
Absolutely. Dental implants aren’t just for single teeth—they’re incredibly versatile:
- Single Implant + Crown: Replaces one tooth
- Implant Bridge: Replaces 2–4 teeth using fewer implants
- All-on-4 or All-on-6: Full arch restoration using 4–6 implants per jaw
This flexibility makes them ideal for everything from minor gaps to full-mouth restoration.
Your Smile Is an Investment—Make It Last
Selecting a solution for a missing tooth involves more than cost considerations. It’s about quality of life—eating comfortably, speaking, smiling with confidence, and preserving the health of your jawbone and facial structure.
Dental implants offer a long-term solution that no bridge or denture can truly match. And with expert care from a trusted Lakewood, Washington, dentist, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, natural-looking teeth.
🦷 Ready to Replace Your Tooth—Root and All?
Avoid solutions that only address the surface. If you’re missing teeth and want a long-lasting, bone-preserving solution, dental implants may be right for you.
Book a consultation today with our experienced dental team in Lakewood, WA. We proudly serve Pierce County with advanced, compassionate care, and we’ll help you decide whether implants are the right fit for your smile and your future.
👉 Call now or request your appointment online.
Restore your smile starting from the foundation of each tooth.