Replacing a Missing Tooth: The Two Main Options
When a tooth is lost due to decay, injury, or extraction, two treatments dominate: dental implants and fixed bridges. Both are excellent options — the best choice depends on your bone health, budget, timeline, and the condition of your adjacent teeth.
Dental Implants
An implant is a titanium screw surgically placed into the jawbone, topped with a ceramic crown. It replicates the entire tooth structure — root and crown — making it the most anatomically similar replacement available.
- Preserves jawbone by stimulating it through chewing
- Does not require alteration of adjacent teeth
- Can last a lifetime with proper care
- Looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth
- Easier to clean than bridges
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires adequate bone density
- Healing period: 3–6 months before crown placement
- Not suitable for patients with uncontrolled diabetes or certain medical conditions
Dental Bridges
A bridge uses the two adjacent teeth (abutment teeth) as anchors, grinding them down to support crowns that hold a false tooth (pontic) in between. No surgery is required.
- No surgery required
- Completed in 2–3 visits
- Lower cost than implants
- Suitable for patients without sufficient bone for implants
- Requires permanently altering healthy adjacent teeth
- Does not prevent jawbone loss at the extraction site
- More difficult to clean underneath
- May need replacement after 10–15 years
The Long-Term Perspective
While implants are more expensive initially, they are often more cost-effective over a lifetime because bridges typically need replacement, whereas a well-maintained implant can last indefinitely. We also consider the value of preserving bone and not compromising healthy teeth.
Our Recommendation Process
We assess bone volume with a CBCT scan, review your medical history, evaluate the condition of adjacent teeth, and discuss your timeline and budget before recommending a treatment path. There is no single right answer — the best choice is the one made with full information.
*Book a consultation to discuss your tooth replacement options with our implant specialist.*
