Written by Southborough Dental Partners
Replacing a missing tooth protects your bite, your remaining teeth and your confidence. The two most common fixed options are dental implants and bridges. Both can look beautiful — but they work very differently.
How implants work
An implant replaces the tooth root with a small titanium post placed in the jawbone. Once it heals, a custom crown is attached on top. Implants stand on their own and help preserve bone.
How bridges work
A bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors. Those teeth are crowned, and an artificial tooth is suspended between them.
Comparing the two
- Longevity: Implants can last a lifetime; bridges typically last 10–15 years.
- Neighboring teeth: Implants leave them untouched; bridges require reshaping them.
- Treatment time: Bridges are faster, usually two visits; implants take a few months to heal.
- Bone health: Implants stimulate the jawbone; bridges do not.
The bottom line
The best choice depends on your oral health, budget and timeline. Schedule a consultation and we'll walk you through both options in detail.
