Implant or bridge — what is worth comparing?

Start with what you need

An implant and a bridge can both replace a missing tooth. They differ in what supports the replacement and how treatment is carried out.

A description online is not enough to choose a treatment for yourself. At an appointment, the dentist assesses the gap, the remaining teeth and your needs.

How an implant works

An implant is a small component placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It can support a crown, which is the visible part of the replacement.

Treatment involves surgery, healing and making the restoration. The exact plan depends on the conditions in your mouth. If additional preparation is needed, the dentist should explain it before treatment starts.

How a bridge works

A bridge fills a gap left by one or more missing teeth. A tooth-supported bridge relies on teeth beside the gap. With a conventional bridge, those teeth usually need to be prepared for crowns.

An important question is therefore: what condition are the neighbouring teeth in? Ask what will support the proposed bridge and what is needed to make it.

What to compare before deciding

• The condition of the teeth beside the gap and whether they can be preserved.
• The conditions at the site of the missing tooth.
• The procedures and stages that may be needed.
• A temporary solution while waiting for the restoration.
• Daily cleaning and follow-up care.
• The cost of the complete plan, rather than a single stage.

Does an implant mean a new tooth straight away?

Not always. Placing an implant and fitting the finished crown are different stages. The bone around the implant needs time to heal. In some situations, the dentist may consider a temporary restoration.

Ask for a timetable that fits your circumstances. A promise of the same completion date for everyone cannot replace an examination and a treatment plan.

How to discuss the price

Ask about the cost of the whole plan. For an implant, check whether the estimate includes the consultation, necessary investigations, surgery, connecting components and crown. For a bridge, ask which teeth and stages the price covers.

This makes it easier to compare two actual plans. The phrases “implant price” and “bridge price” may describe different amounts of treatment.

You do not have to decide before your appointment

You can arrive with a simple question: “I am missing a tooth. What are my options?” Bring any previous scans or a plan from another dentist if you have them.

The aim is to understand the options, their limitations and the next steps. The plan should make sense to you before you decide to go ahead.