Dental Implant or Bridge? How to Decide
A missing tooth affects more than your smile. It can make chewing harder, and the teeth next to the gap can drift into the space over time. The two most common fixed ways to replace a single tooth are a dental implant and a bridge. Both can look natural and restore chewing, but they work differently.
How each one works
Implant: a small post is placed in the jawbone to take the place of the tooth root. After the bone heals around it, which usually takes a few months, a crown is attached on top.
Bridge: the teeth on each side of the gap are shaped and covered with crowns, and a false tooth is attached between them. A bridge does not replace the root.
Side by side
| Implant | Bridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Neighboring teeth | Left untouched | Reshaped and crowned to hold the bridge |
| Surgery | Yes, to place the post | No |
| Treatment time | Up to about six months, over several visits | About two visits over a couple of weeks |
| How long it lasts | The post can last a lifetime; the crown on top generally lasts around 15 years | Replacement after five to seven years is not uncommon |
| Cleaning | Brushed and flossed like a natural tooth | Needs extra care to clean under the false tooth |
| Upfront cost | Higher, and less often covered by insurance | Lower, and more often covered by insurance |
The figures above come from Cleveland Clinic.
When a bridge can make sense
- The teeth next to the gap already have large fillings or need crowns anyway.
- You would rather avoid surgery.
- You want the tooth replaced in weeks rather than months.
- Upfront cost or insurance coverage is the deciding factor.
When an implant can make sense
- The teeth next to the gap are healthy and you want to leave them alone.
- You want the longest-lasting option and easier day-to-day cleaning.
- You are an adult whose jaw has finished growing. Implants may not be a good fit for people under 18.
Your dentist will also look at your gums and the bone where the tooth was, since both affect which option will work best.
Other options
If several teeth are missing, a removable partial denture can fill more than one gap at a lower cost. It is taken out for cleaning, and some people find it less comfortable than a fixed option. It is worth asking about if an implant or bridge isn't a good fit.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- Are my gums and jawbone healthy enough for an implant?
- How long will the whole process take, from start to final crown?
- What is the total cost, including the crown, and what will my insurance cover?
- What will I have in the gap while I wait?
- How should I care for it, and how long should I expect it to last?
Replacing a tooth in El Dorado Hills
Drs. Peliks & Peliks offer both dental implants and bridges, and we will walk you through the options that fit your teeth and budget. Call (916) 933-7401 to book a consultation.
