What is the difference between a dental implant and a dental abutment?

Its difficult to suggest what is better, it depends on the patients current clinical environment. But in general, here are some pros and cons for each Implants Pros Does not require any preparation of teeth adjacent to edentulous space. The success rate of implants is very high. Over 90% If occlusion is proper (the bite is right) it has very good long term prognosis. Cons Expense May require Bone graft Requires surgery You may most likely need a CT Scan before implant placement If not properly placed, you may get nerve damage You cannot get the implant restored till the implant is osseointegrated (stable in bone) Bridge Pros Can be completed in 2 visits Does not need surgery (unless you need a crown lengthening May be cheaper than an implant Does not need CT scan Good average 9 year prognosis Cons Adjacent teeth needs to be prepared Adjacent teeth may end up needing root canals You cant really use it if you dont have 2 adjacent teeth If the margins leak on the bridge, it needs to be replaced