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Fixed Bridges vs. Dental Implants

Post author:Dr. Papatsara Veerapol
Post published:14/01/2025
Post category:article Dental Implant
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Nowadays, people generally have two options when they need to replace one or more missing teeth: a fixed bridge or a dental implant. We’ll explain both of these options in detail, as well as list the pros and cons of each, so you can make an educated decision on which option is better for your particular case and lifestyle.

We’ll also discuss the relative permanence and costs of dental implants and fixed bridges, as these factors can also affect your decision. Let’s start by explaining each of the treatments.

Dental Implant

Dental implants have surpassed dental prosthetics and dentures as the most popular replacements for missing teeth. A dental implant consists of three connected parts: the implant, an abutment, and the crown. The implant is typically a titanium screw that’s inserted into the jawbone in the space where the missing tooth was. Depending on the complexity, the implant procedure is typically completed in two to four steps.

In the first step, the dentist makes an incision into the gum tissue, inserts the implant into the jawbone, then allows the wound to heal and the implant to stabilize and fuse with the jawbone. They may also augment the bone tissue by doing a bone graft that provides more area surrounding the implant. The healing can take from 4 to 6 months before the jaw is ready for the second step.

In the second step, the dentist attaches the abutment to the top of the screw. This is a failsafe device that can be disconnected from the implant and crown, allowing the implant to remain in the jaw in case of damage to the crown. The crown is also generally attached during the second step to finish the total implant procedure.

Fixed Bridge

Fixed bridges are the most requested alternatives to dental implants. The name “fixed bridge” basically describes the treatment. The bridge has a dental crown and prosthesis on it and spans the gap left by the missing tooth. The bridge is fixed and anchored to the two teeth on either side of the gap.

However, this necessitates altering the two teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchor points for the bridge. The teeth are filed down and covered by matching crowns attached to the bridge.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants vs. Fixed Bridges

While both of these treatments are considered to be far superior to dentures or removable prosthetics, they do have some advantages and drawbacks that people need to be aware of.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

One of the major pros of dental implants is their permanence. They can last for 15 years or more. They also don’t affect the teeth around the implant the way dental bridges do, and they have a 97% success rate.

The cons are the higher up-front costs. A single dental implant can cost twice the price of a single fixed bridge. The dental implant procedure also takes much longer to complete than a fixed bridge, with months of healing in between the first two steps. The surgical nature of the procedure can also lead to complications.

Pros and Cons of a Fixed Bridge

The pros of undergoing a fixed bridge treatment are the lower up-front costs and the fact that they don’t require bone grafting or invasive surgery. They are also much faster to install. A fixed bridge can typically be installed in two to three visits within as little as a week.

The cons of a fixed bridge are that it has to be replaced every 5 to 7 years, which may lead to higher overall costs. The bridge can also create more cavities and problems in surrounding teeth, and they can lose their natural look over time.

Choosing Between a Fixed Bridge vs. a Dental Implant

There are many other things to keep in mind when making a decision between the two types of tooth replacements. The cost, time required to complete the treatments, and levels of complexity involved can be a factor, especially when you have more than one tooth to replace. Your general health is also a factor if you plan on undergoing the surgery required for a full-mouth dental implant within a short period.

If you’re having trouble deciding between these two treatments or have some questions you’d like to ask, schedule an appointment for an examination and consultation at either of our About Tooth Dental Clinics in Bangkok. We’ll help you decide which treatment is right for you.

Dr. Papatsara Veerapol

Dr. Papatsara Veerapol, D.D.S. is a dentist specializing in orthodontics, dental implants, and prosthodontics (veneers, dentures). She graduated with honors (Second Class) from the Faculty of Dentistry at Chulalongkorn University. She later earned a Master’s degree in Prosthodontics from Srinakharinwirot University. With extensive work experience, she holds an Advanced General Dentistry Certificate and is certified as a Platinum Provider of Invisalign for 2021 and achieved Zenyum Star Tier status in 2023.

Currently, she is the founder of About Tooth Dental Clinic, which was honored with the World Class Award 2021 in the category of The Best of International Healthy Business. She also serves as a member of the Thai Association of Dental Implants (TADI) and the Thai Prosthodontics Association.

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Post author:Nisara Tanarerkchai
Post published:14/01/2025
Post category:article Others
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Most of us have experienced tooth sensitivity at some point. It’s that sudden jabbing pain you feel when you drink hot or cold liquids or when you inhale and your teeth are suddenly exposed to air. Tooth sensitivity can feel like an electric shock that you experience many times during your day, making your life miserable.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity generally means that some surface areas of your teeth aren’t protecting the roots of your teeth. The roots carry nerves that can be triggered by air or hot and cold sensations and deliver a jolt of pain.

Causes can include:

Enamel erosion
Gum disease and recession
Dental procedures
Tooth decay
Diet
Aggressive brushing
Acidic food and drinks
Tooth whitening procedures
Tooth grinding

As we age, the enamel in our teeth can start to erode, our gums may begin to recede, and we may notice this pain happening more frequently.

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

There are many home remedies that can alleviate the pain of sensitive teeth. However, these treatments only treat the pain itself and not the cause. For permanent relief of recurring tooth sensitivity, make an appointment at a dental clinic in Bangkok.

Natural Remedies

To practice proactive tooth care, you should only be using a fluoridated toothpaste.

Some of the natural remedies recommended by dentists are simple and quick, and they may offer the relief you need without you having to go any further.

Rinsing your mouth with saltwater immediately after meals helps reduce gum inflammation and can relieve tooth sensitivity. Sesame or coconut oil can also provide temporary relief to sensitive teeth. Try to avoid acidic food and drinks in your diet.

Desensitizing Toothpaste

Desensitizing toothpaste helps ease pain by using active ingredients to either block nerve responses or strengthen the enamel covering the dentin tubules that relay the pain triggers to the nerves. There are several brands of these toothpastes on the market. You should try them to see which works for you.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and guard against nerve exposure. Although fluoride is in many of the toothpastes we use, a fluoride treatment by a dentist can be beneficial for severe tooth sensitivity. These treatments can be administered every 6 to 12 months or as often as your dentist recommends.

Dental sealants

If either enamel erosion or gum recession causes your sensitivity, dental sealants may provide the answer. A dentist applies these sealants and bonding treatments, which cover up exposed areas of dentin tubules where the enamel has worn away.

Mouth Guards

If your tooth sensitivity is accompanied by jaw soreness and aching when you first wake up in the morning, the sensitivity could be caused by grinding your teeth as you sleep. A fitted mouth guard prevents damage to your teeth and relieves sensitivity.

Root Canal Treatment

For severe and reoccurring cases of tooth sensitivity, the cause may be an exposed or affected nerve inside the tooth, and a root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the nerve and solve the problem.

Lifestyle Changes

Changing your diet and lifestyle can positively affect tooth sensitivity. Using a non-abrasive toothpaste, a soft-bristled brush, and brushing your teeth less aggressively can help reduce tooth sensitivity. Avoiding acidic foods and beverages and quitting smoking can also help alleviate sensitivity.

When to See a Dentist

Many causes of tooth sensitivity are benign and temporary and tend to resolve themselves on their own. However, every case can have serious underlying causes. If your sensitivity lasts for more than a few days to a week, you should see a dentist to be certain it isn’t a symptom of a larger dental problem.

Visit About Tooth Dental Clinic

Visit our convenient Bangkok dental clinic near the BTS. About Tooth Dental Clinic has two locations in Bangkok. You can make an appointment at either our Siam Square branch on the 8th floor of SIAM SCAPE, Siam Square Soi 1, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, close to the BTS Siam Station, or our

Whizdom 101 branch, close to the BTS Punnawithi Station.
Stop having to deal with the daily misery of tooth sensitivity and ensure your pain is not a symptom of a more serious dental problem by making an appointment at About Tooth Dental Clinic today.

Nisara Tanarerkchai

Dr. Nisara Tanarerkchai, D.D.S. is a dentist specializing in dental implants, orthodontics, and veneers. She graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry at Thammasat University. With extensive professional experience, she holds multiple certificates in various dental fields, including Advanced General Dentistry, Dental Implants, Advanced Orthodontics, as well as certificates in the Veneer Bootcamp and the Veneer Masterclass. Additionally, she is certified as a Platinum Provider of Invisalign for 2021 and achieved Zenyum Star Tier status in 2023.

Currently, Dr. Thanaruksachai is the founder of About Tooth Dental Clinic, which received the World Class Award 2021 in the category of The Best of International Healthy Business. She is also serves as a member of the Thai Association of Dental Implants (TADI).