Dental Bridge vs Implant: How the Two Options Compare

What is the difference between a dental bridge and an implant?

A bridge fills the gap by joining an artificial tooth to the teeth on each side. An implant replaces the tooth root with a post in the jawbone and adds a crown on top. Both fill the gap, but they work in different ways.

The American Dental Association (ADA) says a bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth used to be. The artificial teeth are attached to surrounding teeth for support. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) says that if you are missing a single tooth, one dental implant and a crown can replace it. Learn about the dental bridge and the dental implant in our glossary.

How do they compare side by side?

The table uses statements from the ADA and AAP. The AAP is a professional group focused on gum health, so read its comparison with that in mind. Your dentist can weigh both options for your own mouth.

How does a bridge work?

A fixed bridge is cemented to the teeth beside the gap. The ADA says bridges can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. A fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist, unlike a removable bridge that you can take out and clean.

The ADA adds that the success of a bridge depends on its foundation, so it is very important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong. The support teeth are called abutment teeth, and the artificial tooth in the gap is a pontic.

Our dental bridge page gives the office’s own description of bridges.

How does an implant work?

The ADA says implants are posts surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they act as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. The bone then heals around the post. Once healed, a crown is attached. For a single tooth, the AAP says the process takes two to six months for the implant and bone to bond, and often a second step to uncover the implant.

The ADA notes that implants can also support bridges and dentures. It describes an implant bridge as one that attaches artificial teeth directly to the jaw or under the gum tissue. For the full timeline, read our post on dental implant recovery.

What does the AAP say about bone?

The AAP says that with a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth begins to resorb or deteriorate. It says implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact. It also says gums can recede around a bridge and the cement can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that anchor the bridge.

These are the AAP’s points of view, and your dentist may weigh them differently for you. Ask how each option would affect your bone and your neighboring teeth.

What are the main trade-offs in plain words?

With a bridge, the neighboring teeth carry the load. That can mean the dentist shapes those teeth to hold the bridge, and the bridge relies on them staying healthy. With an implant, the post stands on its own in the bone. That means a surgical step and a healing period, and it needs enough healthy bone.

Neither option is right for everyone. Cost, time, health, and the condition of nearby teeth all play a part. Town Center Dental does not publish prices, and each patient receives an individual estimate. Ask for the estimate early, so you can compare the options on facts that fit you.

Who may not be a good fit for an implant?

The ADA says health matters more than age. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. Patients with these issues may not be good candidates for implants. Using tobacco can also slow healing.

Your dentist may suggest a medical review before surgery. If an implant is not a fit, other options remain, and our page on tooth replacement lists them.

What should I ask my dentist?

These questions help you compare:

1. Are my neighboring teeth strong enough to support a bridge?
2. Is there enough bone for an implant?
3. How many visits does each option need?
4. What care will each option need at home?
5. What happens if the option I pick does not work out?

For a wider look at the choices, read our guide on replacing a missing tooth.

Next step

To compare both options for your mouth, call Town Center Dental at (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect and gives each patient an individual estimate.