Do the neighbouring teeth always have to be ground down for a bridge?

A fixed bridge is attached to the neighbouring teeth, so they are usually prepared for crowns. An implant does not require this.

How long does implant treatment take?

It depends on the case: the bone bonds to the implant over up to several months, and only then is the crown fitted. In some cases the implant and the tooth are placed in one visit. Your dentist sets the exact schedule.

Is an implant suitable for everyone?

Not always. Health matters more than age: chronic illnesses such as diabetes, and smoking, can slow healing. A medical check-up may be requested before implant placement.

What if several teeth in a row are missing?

Your dentist may suggest an implant-supported bridge, which attaches to the jaw and does not rely on the neighbouring natural teeth. The type of restoration is decided after an examination.

Do implants or bridges need special care?

Implants need the same daily brushing and flossing as natural teeth. Under a bridge, hygiene is especially important: cement can wash out and the supporting teeth can decay.

Dental Implant or Bridge: Which Is Better?

At a Glance

A bridge relies on the neighbouring teeth, while an implant replaces the root and does not require the neighbours to be ground down. But “which is better” depends on your situation, not on the method itself.

A traditional bridge is attached to the neighbouring teeth, so they are usually prepared for crowns; its success depends on how strong these supporting teeth are.
An implant is a titanium post in the jaw with a crown on top: it does not need support from the neighbouring teeth, but it requires surgery and time to heal.
Chronic illness and smoking can complicate healing after implant placement; your health matters more than your age.
The final decision is made after an examination: what matters most is the neighbouring teeth, the bone, the gums and how many teeth are missing.

Jump to a Section

Bridge and Implant: What Is the Difference?
When a Bridge Makes Sense
When to Consider an Implant
Implant or Bridge: What the Choice Depends On
Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Bridge and Implant: What Is the Difference?

A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial ones and “bridges” the gap. It is attached to the neighbouring teeth, and a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist. There is also an implant-supported bridge, which attaches directly to the jaw.

An implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where it serves as a sturdy anchor for a replacement tooth. For one tooth the implant is topped with a crown; for several teeth, a bridge or denture is made.

Bridge and implant: the main differences

Criterion	Bridge	Implant
Support	Neighbouring teeth, which are fitted with crowns	An implant in the bone; the neighbouring teeth are not involved
Neighbouring teeth	Usually prepared; success depends on their strength	No preparation needed
Bone	Does not load the bone where the tooth was lost, so it may gradually shrink	Replaces the root and helps preserve the bone
Stages	No surgical stage	Surgery, bone healing (up to several months), then the crown; sometimes in one visit
Care	Careful hygiene is needed: cement can wash out and the supporting teeth can decay	Daily care as for natural teeth, and regular check-ups
Limitations	Weak supporting teeth, or none	Conditions that slow healing, smoking, not enough bone

When a Bridge Makes Sense

A bridge is considered when an implant is not possible or not desirable, for example because of your health, or when the neighbouring teeth are healthy and strong enough to act as supports. The success of such a bridge depends on its foundation, so it is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy.

The main trade-off is the preparation of the neighbouring teeth: enamel that has been removed cannot be put back. Ask your dentist what condition the supporting teeth are in, and whether they would need crowns anyway.

When to Consider an Implant

An implant is worth discussing if you do not want tooth structure removed from healthy teeth to make a bridge. For several missing teeth in a row, your dentist may suggest an implant-supported bridge, which does not rely on the neighbouring natural teeth.

Implant treatment has several stages: the dentist surgically places the implant, the bone bonds to it (this can take up to several months), and then the crown is fitted. While the tooth is being made, your dentist may offer a temporary one. In some cases the implant and the tooth are placed in one visit. You can read more about the treatment on the Dental Implants page.

Health matters more than age. Chronic illnesses, including diabetes, and smoking can slow healing, so a medical check-up may be requested before implant placement.

Implant or Bridge: What the Choice Depends On

There is no single answer: the two options work differently with the neighbouring teeth, the bone and time. Below are three typical situations and what the dentist assesses in each.

When a Bridge Is Considered

The neighbouring teeth are healthy and strong. They can serve as supports, but they will have to be ground down for crowns. The dentist assesses whether the supporting teeth are strong enough: the success of a bridge depends on this.
The neighbouring teeth already need crowns. Preparing them for a bridge then adds almost nothing to the loss, so a bridge can be a reasonable choice. The dentist checks whether the crowns are really needed anyway.
There is not enough bone, or there are restrictions on surgery. A bridge needs no surgery, so it is discussed when an implant is not possible or not desirable. The dentist assesses the bone and your general health.

When an Implant Is Considered

The neighbouring teeth are healthy. An implant does not involve them and needs no preparation, so it is discussed when you do not want tooth structure removed from healthy teeth. The dentist checks whether the conditions for surgery are there.
The neighbouring teeth already need crowns. The advantage of an implant in sparing the neighbouring teeth is then smaller, so the decision rests on the bone, your health and your wishes. The dentist assesses each of these.
There is not enough bone, or there are restrictions on surgery. An implant needs enough bone: if it is lacking, bone grafting (building up the bone) may be needed, which adds stages and time. Chronic illness and smoking slow healing, so the dentist assesses the amount of bone and your general health; in some conditions an implant may not be suitable.

Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Which options suit me, and why?
What condition are the neighbouring teeth in: would they need to be prepared for a bridge?
Do I have enough bone for an implant, and is additional preparation needed?
How many stages and visits are planned, will I have a temporary tooth, and what is included in the cost?
What are the risks in my case (health, smoking), and how do I care for the option I choose?

The Limits of This Comparison

We compare the two methods in general: what suits you depends on your teeth, bone and health, and there is no answer without an examination. In this article we do not name prices or timelines in advance: they are set by the treatment plan.

Let’s Start With a Consultation

At a consultation your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth, gums and bone and explain which options suit you. For implant treatment see the Dental Implants page, and for crowns and bridges, the Prosthodontics section.