Two different principles
A conventional bridge replaces the missing tooth with a false tooth fixed to the two neighbouring teeth, which are drilled down to receive crowns. An implant replaces the root in the bone and carries its own crown, without relying on the neighbouring teeth.
There is also the bonded bridge, fixed by a wing to the back of a neighbouring tooth, which needs very little preparation but is mainly suitable for some front teeth.
The criteria that guide the choice
| Situation | Solution often preferred |
|---|---|
| Healthy neighbouring teeth without restorations | Implant, to avoid drilling them down. |
| Neighbouring teeth already crowned or heavily restored | Bridge, which can also protect them. |
| Enough bone and good general health | Implant possible without a graft. |
| Surgery not wanted or contraindicated | Bridge or removable denture. |
| Heavy smoking or uncontrolled periodontitis | Address these factors first; discuss the alternatives. |
Treatment time and maintenance
A bridge is made in a few weeks, without surgery. An implant needs a phase of osseointegration, usually 3 to 4 months, sometimes longer if a graft is needed.
Both solutions need maintenance. Under a bridge, cleaning is done with special floss or interdental brushes, and the supporting teeth remain exposed to the risk of decay. Around an implant, the main issue is preventing gum inflammation and peri-implantitis.
A decision to make together
The choice is made with your dentist, who knows the condition of your teeth, and with the surgeon, who assesses the bone and the risks. The 3D assessment shows whether an implant is straightforward or would require bone preparation, which can tip the balance.
Frequently asked questions
Is an implant or a bridge better?
It depends on the condition of the neighbouring teeth. If they are healthy, an implant avoids drilling them down. If they already have large restorations, or if surgery is not wanted, a bridge can be a good choice. Both options are compared at the assessment.
Can the implant be placed on the day the tooth is removed?
Yes, in selected cases: the bone wall on the lip side must be intact, the gum of good quality and the implant stable from the moment it is placed. Otherwise, healing is allowed first, sometimes after socket preservation.
Sources
- Pjetursson et al. — Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants, 2014 — trends in survival and complication rates of crowns and bridges on implants.
- Howe, Keys, Richards — Journal of Dentistry, 2019 — meta-analysis of 18 studies on 10-year implant survival.
- ITI Consensus Conference, Lisbon 2023 — selection criteria for immediate single-tooth implants in the aesthetic zone.
Replacing one tooth with an implant · Replacing several teeth
This general information helps you prepare for your consultation. Treatment, its risks and aftercare instructions are adapted to your situation by the surgeon.