Implant Or Brıdge? Whıch Is The Rıght Treatment For A Mıssıng Tooth?

Implant or Bridge? Which is the Right Treatment for a Missing Tooth?

What is an implant and what kind of treatment is it?

A dental implant is a modern treatment consisting of titanium screws that mimic the root of a missing tooth. It is placed into the jawbone and a porcelain or zirconia crown is attached on top.
The biggest advantage of an implant is that it functions like a natural tooth root and transfers chewing force directly to the jawbone.

Thanks to implants:

• Adjacent teeth are left untouched

• Bone loss is halted

• A natural appearance is achieved

• Long-term use is provided

In this regard, the implant is the most preferred method for single tooth loss today.

What is bridge treatment? How is it applied?

A dental bridge involves reducing the size of the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap to place crowns, and filling the gap in between with an artificial tooth.

So, in bridge treatment:

• An artificial tooth is added in place of the missing tooth

• This tooth is connected to the teeth on the right and left

• Two healthy teeth need to be prepared (shaved down)

Bridge treatment is fast and can usually be completed within 3–7 days.
However, the reduction of the adjacent teeth is its biggest disadvantage.

What are the fundamental differences between implant and bridge treatment?

The differences between the two treatments are quite distinct:

• An Implant creates an independent tooth root; a bridge relies on adjacent teeth.

• An implant stops bone loss, a bridge cannot.

• An implant does not harm other teeth; a bridge requires the preparation of two healthy teeth.

• The lifespan of an implant is 20 years and above; for a bridge, this period is 8–12 years.

Therefore, the implant is a more modern and protective treatment.

In which situations is an implant the more correct choice?

In the following situations, an implant is almost always the most correct choice:

• Single tooth loss

• When wanting to preserve healthy adjacent teeth

• Young or middle-aged patients

• When a long-lasting solution is desired

• Patients with sufficient jawbone

• Missing teeth in the aesthetic zone (front teeth)

Not harming the adjacent teeth is one of the most important advantages of an implant.

In which situations can a bridge be preferred instead of an implant?

Bridge treatment can be advantageous in some specific cases:

• If there is bone deficiency and a graft is not desired

• If the patient is older and a quick solution is needed

• If economic reasons are a priority

• If the adjacent teeth already have large fillings

• In cases of multiple missing teeth, if the structure is suitable

A bridge is completed in a shorter time, which is why some patients may prefer it for practicality.

What are the advantages of implants?

• Does not harm adjacent teeth

• Offers a natural tooth appearance

• Distributes chewing force evenly

• Stops bone loss

• Is very long-lasting

• Is the ideal solution for single tooth loss

• Maintaining oral hygiene is easier

These advantages have made the implant the "gold standard" today.

What are the disadvantages of bridge treatment?

• Requires the reduction of two healthy teeth

• In the long term, the prepared teeth may require fillings or root canal treatment

• Bone loss continues

• There is a possibility of needing replacement every 8–12 years

• It is not as aesthetic as an implant

Especially the preparation of healthy teeth is the biggest disadvantage of a bridge.

Which one provides better aesthetic results?

For patients with high aesthetic expectations, implants are much more successful.
Zirconia or porcelain crowns on implants:

• Fit more naturally to the gum

• Do not cause shadows

• Harmonize with the adjacent teeth

With bridges, however, gaps may sometimes form at the gum line or shadow differences may be visible in long bridges.

In terms of cost, which is more advantageous: implant or bridge?

Generally, implants appear more expensive.
However, when longevity and protective qualities are taken into account, in the long term, an implant is a more economical solution.

A bridge may be more affordable in initial cost, but:

• Decay in the prepared teeth

• Root canal treatment

• The need for re-crowning

Such additional expenses can increase the cost over time.

What is the lifespan of implant and bridge treatments?

• Implant: 20–25 years and above

• Bridge: Average 8–12 years

Proper care and regular dental check-ups can significantly increase the lifespan of an implant.

Conclusion: Which treatment is the right choice?

For single tooth loss, an implant is clearly the most correct choice.
Because:

• It does not touch other teeth

• It prevents bone loss

• It is much longer-lasting

• It is aesthetically superior

A bridge, however, can be preferred in certain cases for patients with bone deficiency or those who need a quick solution.