When a tooth is lost due to decay, injury, gum disease, or extraction, the resulting gap may affect chewing, speaking, and the appearance of a smile. Nearby teeth tend to drift toward the open space over time; this movement can change how the upper and lower teeth fit together. Two common replacement options are dental bridges and dental implants.
What Are Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration, and it spans the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge includes an artificial tooth, called a pontic, held in place by crowns placed over the natural teeth on each side of the space. These supporting teeth are referred to as abutment teeth.
To prepare for a traditional bridge, a dentist typically reshapes the abutment teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel so the crowns can fit over them. Impressions are then taken, and a custom bridge is created in a dental lab. The process is often completed in two or more visits over a few weeks.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants replace the root of a missing tooth. They consist of small posts, typically made of titanium, that are placed into the jawbone. Over several months, the bone may fuse with the post in a process called osseointegration. A connector known as an abutment is then attached, and it is topped by a custom crown that forms the visible part of the tooth.
An implant is anchored in the jaw, so it does not depend on neighboring teeth for support. As a result, those teeth generally do not need to be reshaped. Implants can replace a single tooth, support a multi-tooth bridge, or help secure a denture.
A dentist or oral surgeon evaluates the jawbone using imaging before beginning treatment. If there is not enough bone to support the post, a bone graft may be recommended first. With healing periods between stages, the full timeline often spans several months. Implants are then cared for much like natural teeth, and this involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
How Do You Choose?
Dentists typically weigh a combination of clinical and personal factors when recommending a bridge or an implant. A bridge suits patients who prefer to avoid surgery, or it may be chosen due to its shorter treatment period. An implant can be a fit for patients with sufficient bone density, allowing them to preserve the structure of their surrounding teeth. Other factors that influence a decision include:
- Jawbone Condition: Implants require adequate bone volume, while bridges do not rely on the jawbone in the same way.
- Health of Adjacent Teeth: If neighboring teeth already have large fillings or crowns, a bridge can make use of them.
- Health and Habits: Certain medical conditions and tobacco use may affect healing after implant placement.
Age can also be a factor, as implants are usually placed only after the jaw has finished developing.
Speak Further With Your Dentist
Bridges and dental implants each offer a fixed way to replace missing teeth; the most suitable choice depends on individual circumstances. Neither restoration is permanent. Crowns, pontics, and implant components eventually need repair or replacement, and habits such as teeth grinding can place added stress on them. A dentist may explain the expected maintenance for each option and recommend protective measures, such as a night guard, when appropriate.
