Implant or bridge – which to choose?
There is no single solution for everyone. If the teeth next to the gap are healthy, an implant may be the better solution, because they do not have to be prepared. If, however, the neighbouring teeth are already damaged and need crowns, a bridge can be a very good solution.
How much does a dental implant cost?
Restoring one tooth, i.e. the implant together with the crown, costs from 7 000 zł: from 3 500 zł for placing the implant and from 3 500 zł for the crown. If a bone graft is needed, the cost of that procedure is added. You learn the exact cost before treatment begins.
How much does a bridge cost?
One bridge unit costs 3 500 zł. If one tooth is missing, the bridge usually has 3 units – the two teeth it rests on and one tooth filling the gap. Such a bridge costs 10 500 zł.
Will I need a bone graft?
Not always – the scan decides. If there is too little bone, we can rebuild it to create the right conditions for placing the implant. It is a conditional stage – we carry it out only when it is really needed. At the first appointment the dentist explains whether it will be necessary in your case and how it will affect the length and cost of treatment.
Do the teeth have to be drilled for a bridge?
Yes. We prepare the teeth on both sides of the gap so that they can hold the bridge. That is why, before making a bridge, we check whether the abutment teeth are suitable for this kind of work.
Are implants covered by the NFZ?
No. Neither dental implants nor crowns on implants are reimbursed by the NFZ for adult patients.
How long does the whole treatment take?
Usually 4 to 8 months. Most of that time is the healing period, not further appointments. Treatment can be shorter when the bone is in good condition and the implant goes into the lower jaw. It takes longer when a bone graft is needed or the treatment is in the upper jaw.
Does placing an implant hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic – during it you feel pressure, not pain. For the first few days afterwards there may be slight swelling or tenderness, but usually by the next day you feel nothing in particular and can return to your everyday activities and training. You receive detailed instructions and a number to call if anything worries you. If you are anxious about procedures, tell us before we start – we will adjust the pace of work and take breaks if you need them.
How long does an implant last?
If the implant integrates properly with the bone, usually nothing in particular happens to it for many years. The same applies to a properly made crown – there is no set point at which it has to be replaced as a matter of course.
Over time, however, the tissues around the implant change. Like the whole body, the bone and gums are subject to natural ageing. The bone may gradually shrink, and the tissues holding the implant may change over time under the influence of age, hygiene, the bite or other individual factors.
That is why it is impossible to predict what an implant will look like in 10 or 20 years in a particular person. With proper hygiene and regular check-ups, however, it most often works for many years without the implant itself or the crown needing to be replaced.
Do smoking or diabetes rule out an implant?
Smoking does not rule out implant placement, but it is worth cutting down before the procedure and during healing. Well-controlled diabetes need not be a contraindication either. With unstable diabetes, the condition first has to be brought under control together with your doctor. Whether implant placement is safe in your case we decide on the basis of the examination and your overall health.
How long does a bridge last?
There is no single number of years that fits every patient. Hygiene, the way you bite, the condition of the teeth and gums and regular check-ups all matter a great deal. Well-made and properly cared-for work can last for many years.