is an implant better than a bridge

Both an implant and a bridge give you a fixed tooth that you do not take out at night. They solve the same problem in very different ways, and the right choice depends mostly on the condition of the teeth next to the gap and the bone underneath it.

How each one works

An implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone where the root used to be, with a crown on top. It stands on its own and does not involve the neighbouring teeth.

A bridge is a row of joined crowns. The teeth on either side of the gap are shaved down and crowned, and a false tooth is suspended between them. The neighbours carry the load of the missing tooth. You can read more on our crowns and bridges page.

Side by side

• Neighbouring teeth: an implant leaves them untouched; a bridge requires cutting them down, which is irreversible and can occasionally lead to a root canal later.
• Time: a bridge is usually finished in two or three weeks; an implant takes three to six months or more.
• Surgery: an implant needs a minor surgical procedure; a bridge does not.
• Bone: an implant needs enough bone, sometimes with a graft; a bridge does not depend on bone at the gap, but the bone there will continue to shrink slowly.
• Cleaning: an implant is cleaned like a single tooth; a bridge needs threading floss or an interdental brush under the false tooth, which many people neglect.
• Failure: if a supporting tooth of a bridge decays or cracks, the whole bridge may need replacing. A problem with an implant affects only that implant.

When an implant usually makes more sense

• The teeth on both sides are healthy and unfilled.
• The gap is long, or there is no tooth at the back end to support a bridge.
• You want to protect the remaining teeth for the long term.

When a bridge is a perfectly good choice

• The neighbouring teeth already have large fillings or need crowns anyway, so crowning them does double duty.
• Bone at the gap is very thin and you prefer not to have grafting.
• Medical conditions make surgery unwise, or you smoke heavily and will not stop.
• You need a fixed tooth within weeks, for example before a family wedding.
• Budget: a short bridge often costs less upfront.

The cost question

Our current published fee for an implant is from ₹80,000, including the implant, abutment and crown. A bridge is priced per unit, since each tooth in the bridge is a crown; crown fees per unit, by material, are listed in our online store. The final cost of either is confirmed after examination. Over many years an implant can work out better value because it does not put healthy teeth at risk, but that depends on your mouth, not on a formula.

How we help you decide

At your consultation, Dr Avinash or Dr Rashmi examines the gap and the neighbouring teeth, takes an X-ray, and explains the realistic options, including a removable partial denture if that is relevant. You get the plan written down and decide in your own time, not in the chair. Our missing tooth replacement page lays out all the options in one place.