When a tooth is lost or needs to be extracted, patients face a choice between three main replacement options: dental implants, a dental bridge, or dentures. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here is a clear comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium screw placed into the jawbone that fuses with the bone over 3 - 4 months (osseointegration). A custom crown is then attached - creating a permanent replacement tooth that looks and functions identically to a natural tooth.
✅ Gold standard for single tooth replacement. Does not involve adjacent teeth. Preserves jawbone. Can last a lifetime with proper care. Success rate exceeds 95% at 10 years.
Disadvantages: Requires a surgical procedure. Total treatment time of 4 - 6 months. Higher upfront cost than other options. Requires adequate bone volume.
Dental Bridge
A bridge spans the gap using adjacent teeth as anchors (abutments). These teeth are permanently crowned, and a false tooth (pontic) is suspended between them - creating a fixed, non-removable restoration.
💡 Best when adjacent teeth already need crowning. No surgical procedure required. Completed in 2 - 3 weeks. Looks and feels natural.
Disadvantages: Requires permanent alteration of healthy adjacent teeth. Does not prevent bone loss at the extraction site. Cleaning requires floss threaders or interdental brushes beneath the pontic. May need replacement after 10 - 15 years.
Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances - full (replacing all teeth in an arch) or partial (replacing some teeth where natural teeth remain). Modern dentures are custom-made from impressions of your mouth and can look very natural.
💡 Most affordable option for multiple missing teeth. No surgery required. Can be placed immediately after extraction. Adjustable as bone changes over time.
Disadvantages: Removable - must be taken out at night. Lower dentures (particularly full dentures) can be unstable. Bone continues to resorb beneath dentures without tooth roots to stimulate it. May require periodic relining as jaw shape changes.
Implant-Retained Dentures
A middle option - just 2 - 4 implants are placed to anchor and stabilise a full denture. This dramatically improves denture stability and eliminates the movement associated with conventional lower dentures, at a lower cost than a full implant-supported bridge.
Which Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on the number of teeth missing, the health of adjacent teeth, bone volume, overall health, budget, and personal preference. At Accord Dental Practice, we discuss all options at your consultation with no pressure to proceed with any particular treatment.
Learn more about dental implants at Accord Dental Practice, Camberley. Free implant consultations available.