Implant or bridge: which should you choose in the case of a missing tooth?
Implant or bridge? In short: an implant replaces the missing tooth on its own, without grinding down the neighbouring teeth, and with proper oral hygiene it will serve for decades, whereas a bridge is a quicker and initially cheaper solution, but in return the two adjacent teeth must be ground down for it. Which one is right for you is decided by the condition of your teeth, the amount of jawbone and financial considerations together.
When is an implant the better choice?
A dental implant is a titanium artificial root that we place into the jawbone, onto which a crown is fitted by means of an abutment. Its greatest advantage is that the neighbouring, healthy teeth do not need to be touched, and by transmitting the chewing force towards the bone it also prevents the jawbone from wasting away. We recommend it primarily when the neighbouring teeth are intact and there is sufficient bone volume, or this can be ensured with bone grafting .
When can a bridge be sensible?
A A dental bridge rests on the teeth standing on either side of the gap: we grind these down and fix the connected restoration onto them. It can be a good solution if the neighbouring teeth would need crowns anyway (for example because of large fillings or root canal treatment), if implantation is not advisable for health reasons, or if a quicker solution with lower initial cost is required.
A brief comparison
- Neighbouring teeth: with an implant they remain untouched; a bridge requires grinding.
- Bone volume: an implant preserves it, whereas under a bridge the jawbone may waste away over time.
- Lifespan: with proper care an implant works for decades, whereas a bridge typically needs replacing every 10-15 years.
- Initial cost: a bridge is generally cheaper, but in the long run an implant is often more economical.
- Treatment time: a bridge is completed within a few weeks, whereas with an implant several months may be needed for the bone to heal.
How much do they cost?
The full cost of an implant-supported tooth replacement is made up of the implant, the abutment and the crown, while the price of a bridge depends on the number of units and the material. You can find our current prices on the dental implant prices page and in our full price list here.
Frequently asked questions
Does placing an implant hurt?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the placement itself does not hurt. We have written about this in detail here.
How long should you wait before replacing a missing tooth?
The longer the gap is left without a replacement, the more the jawbone wastes away, and the more the neighbouring teeth can shift. It is therefore worth consulting us as soon as possible.
Not sure which solution is right for you? The first consultation at our practice is free: +36 (20) 527-5547
