Two Good Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth
When a tooth is lost or extracted, the two most common replacement options are a dental implant and a fixed bridge. Both restore the appearance and function of the missing tooth. Both are well-established, reliable treatments.
The right choice depends on your specific situation — the condition of your neighboring teeth, your jawbone health, your budget, and your long-term goals.
How Each Option Works
Dental Implant
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. Over 3–6 months, the bone fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, a custom crown is attached to the implant, creating an independent replacement tooth.
The implant doesn't rely on neighboring teeth for support — it stands on its own.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that spans the gap left by a missing tooth. It consists of a false tooth (called a pontic) held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap.
A bridge requires preparing the neighboring teeth — removing enamel so crowns can fit over them.
Key Differences
Longevity
Implants typically last 20+ years and often a lifetime with proper care. Bridges last an average of 10–15 years before they may need replacement.
Impact on Neighboring Teeth
This is the biggest clinical difference. An implant doesn't touch the teeth next to it. A bridge requires permanently altering two healthy teeth to serve as anchors. If those teeth already have crowns or large fillings, a bridge makes more sense. If they're healthy and untouched, an implant preserves them.
Bone Preservation
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink over time. An implant stimulates the bone and prevents this resorption. A bridge does not — the bone beneath the pontic gradually recedes.
Cost
Bridges typically cost less upfront than implants. However, because bridges need to be replaced more often, the lifetime cost can be comparable. Insurance coverage varies for both options.
Treatment Time
A bridge can be completed in about two weeks — two appointments. An implant requires surgery, 3–6 months of healing, and then a crown placement. If you need a tooth replaced quickly, a bridge delivers faster results.
When an Implant Is Usually the Better Choice
- The neighboring teeth are healthy and don't have existing crowns
- You want the longest-lasting option
- You want to preserve jawbone in the area
- You're in good overall health with adequate bone density
When a Bridge May Be the Better Choice
- The neighboring teeth already need crowns
- You want a faster, less invasive solution
- The cost of an implant isn't feasible right now
- Medical conditions make implant surgery inadvisable
What We Recommend
We don't have a default recommendation. We evaluate each patient's situation individually — the condition of the surrounding teeth, bone density, health history, budget, and goals — and give you an honest assessment of which option makes the most sense for you.
Sometimes the answer is an implant. Sometimes it's a bridge. Sometimes it's worth waiting and planning rather than rushing into either one.
Have questions about your options? Call us at (256) 734-1866 or schedule a consultation.