TL;DR
- Missing teeth can affect surrounding teeth, bite and jawbone, making timely replacement important.
- Dental bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring to neighboring teeth, restoring bite and function without removal.
- Bridges are quick, stable, non-surgical and suitable when adjacent teeth need crowns.
- Bridges require reshaping healthy teeth, don’t support the jawbone, may need replacement and need careful cleaning.
- Dental implants act as artificial roots placed in the jawbone, supporting a crown like a natural tooth.
- Implants preserve the jawbone, don’t affect neighboring teeth and provide long-term strength and stability.
- Implants take longer, involve surgery, cost more and need adequate bone support.
- Choosing between a bridge or implant depends on the condition of the teeth, jawbone health, treatment timeline and long-term goals.
Dental Bridge or Implant: How to Decide the Best Option?
When a tooth is missing, the first thing most people notice is the gap. What tends to get overlooked is what happens around it. The neighboring teeth slowly shift, chewing pressure changes and over time, the jawbone in that area can weaken. And this is why replacing a missing tooth is so important.
At this stage, one common question we often hear is whether a dental bridge or a dental implant would be the better option. The thing is, neither can be labeled as better than the other, as each is used in different situations. We assess the overall condition of your teeth, gums and jaw before recommending one option.
To help you understand how this decision is made, we have put together this article outlining the key differences between a dental bridge and an implant.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed solution used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the teeth next to the gap. These neighboring teeth act as supports, helping hold the replacement tooth firmly in place so you can bite and chew comfortably.
To place a bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are carefully shaped to allow crowns to sit over them. The false tooth sits between these crowns, filling the space and restoring balance to your bite. Once fitted, a bridge stays in place and does not need to be removed for cleaning.
Pros
- Fixed in place and feels stable while eating and speaking
- Treatment is usually completed in a shorter time
- Does not involve surgery
- Often suitable when nearby teeth already need crowns
Cons
- Requires reshaping of healthy neighboring teeth
- Does not support the jawbone under the missing tooth
- May need replacement after several years
- Cleaning under the bridge can take extra effort.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth by acting as an artificial root placed directly into the jawbone. This provides a stable base for a crown, allowing the new tooth to function much like a natural one.
The process involves placing a small metal post into the bone, which is then given time to settle and bond with the jaw. Once this support is secure, a connector and crown are attached to complete the restoration. Because the implant stands on its own, the neighboring teeth are left untouched.
Pros
- Replaces the tooth from the root upwards
- Helps maintain jawbone strength in the missing tooth area
- Does not rely on or affect nearby teeth
- Suitable for long-term use with proper care
Cons
- Treatment takes longer from start to finish
- Involves a surgical procedure
- Higher initial cost compared to a bridge
- Not suitable if bone support is inadequate
Dental Bridge vs Implant: Key Differences at a Glance
The choice between a dental bridge and an implant becomes clearer when we break it down into a few key clinical differences.
| Aspect | Dental Bridge | Dental Implant |
| How it is supported | Held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap | Anchored directly into the jawbone |
| Effect on nearby teeth | Requires shaping of neighboring teeth | Leaves surrounding teeth untouched |
| Treatment time | Typically completed over a few weeks | Takes several months (3-6) due to the healing time |
| Jawbone support | Does not stimulate the bone under the missing tooth | Helps maintain bone strength in the area |
| Feel while chewing | Feels secure but relies on adjacent teeth | Feels closer to a natural tooth |
| Cleaning and care | Needs careful cleaning under the bridge | Cleaned like a natural tooth |
| Longevity | May need replacement over time, typically every 7 to 15 years | Intended for long-term use with proper care. Implants can last a lifetime. |
| Cost | $550-$3,000 per tooth | $3,000-$6,000 per tooth |
How to Choose Between a Dental Bridge and an Implant?
At Le Sueur Family Dental, Dr. David Tycast reviews each patient’s teeth, gums and jawbone, along with dental scans, to see which option will work best for the long term. Here’s how we typically approach each option:
- Dental Bridge
We usually consider a dental bridge when the teeth beside the gap are already heavily filled or need crowns themselves. It can be a suitable option when bone health is not ideal for an implant or when a quicker treatment timeline is preferred.
- Dental Implant
We usually recommend dental implants when the jawbone is healthy. They take longer to complete than a bridge, but they offer superior strength and stability and help maintain the integrity of the jawbone for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Both dental implants and bridges are excellent options for replacing missing teeth, but which one is best for you depends on your dentist’s evaluation, your budget and your preferred timeline. While bridges offer a quicker solution, implants provide long-term stability and help preserve the jawbone, making them ideal for many patients looking for lasting results.
At Le Sueur Family Dental, our approach to family dental care focuses on evaluating each patient’s teeth, gums and jawbone to recommend the solution that best suits their situation. With a combined 112 years of experience working in the dental field, our team stands ready to provide the highest quality dental care and service appropriate to your needs.
If you are considering a dental bridge or implant, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Dr. David Tycast and our team will guide you through the options, answer your questions and help you choose the solution that keeps your smile healthy and strong for years to come.
Call: (507) 665-6812
Email: office@lesueurfamilydental.com
Visit: 219 South 2nd Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058
FAQs
The cost can vary depending on your mouth, the materials used and the complexity of treatment. Generally, bridges are less expensive upfront, while implants cost more but can last longer. Your dentist will help you weigh the price against durability and long-term results.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Bridges are quicker and can work well when neighboring teeth need crowns. Implants stand alone and support jawbone health, but they take longer to complete. It really comes down to your teeth, jaw and what matters most to you.
Both can look and feel very natural once in place. Bridges rely on nearby teeth for support, while implants act like a tooth rooted in your jaw. Most patients quickly forget it’s not their original tooth.
Most adults with healthy gums and enough bone density are candidates. If your bone is thin, there are ways to build it up, but your dentist will review your X-rays and health before deciding.
Yes, but your dentist may recommend a night guard or protective measures. Grinding can wear down a bridge or crown if left unprotected.
