Losing a tooth can feel unsettling, and it's natural to wonder how urgent it is to do something about it. The good news is that you have several well-established options. This guide walks through how implants, bridges and dentures differ, so you can have a more confident conversation with your dentist.
Why the gap deserves attention
Teeth work as a team. Each one helps hold its neighbours in place, and its root keeps the jawbone around it strong. When a tooth is gone, neighbouring teeth can tip into the space, the tooth above can drift down, and your bite can change. Food can also get trapped in new spaces, and tilted teeth are harder to clean, which can raise the risk of cavities and gum problems.
There is also the bone. Bone stays strong when it's used, and a root puts the jawbone to work every time you chew. Without one, the body slowly reabsorbs that bone. If it shrinks, there may be less bone available for an implant later, which can mean extra steps such as bone grafting. For more on the implant process, see this dental implants guide.
The three options at a glance
| Dental implant | Bridge | Denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it replaces | The root and the tooth | The tooth | One tooth or many |
| Relies on neighbouring teeth? | No | Yes, crowns on the teeth beside the gap | Removable appliance |
| Helps keep the jawbone in use? | Yes, it replaces the root | Not by itself | Not by itself |
Dental implants
An implant replaces the root as well as the tooth, and it doesn't depend on the teeth next to it. Because it stands in for the root, it helps keep the bone in use. Planning matters: 3D imaging, such as Cone Beam scans, lets your dentist check the bone before deciding on a plan.
Bridges
A bridge is a false tooth held in place by crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. If you're comparing it with other restorations, it helps to understand how crowns work first. Our overview of same-day crowns is a useful starting point.
Dentures
A denture is removable and can replace a single tooth or many. Some dentures are made quickly, for example immediate dentures and flippers, which can be made using in-house 3D printing so you aren't left with a gap while you decide on a longer-term plan.
Questions worth asking at your appointment
- How healthy is the bone where the tooth was lost?
- Would this option involve the neighbouring teeth?
- What is the full cost, and how long will each step take?
- What does my insurance cover?
- What will daily cleaning look like afterwards?
What to do next
There's rarely a single right answer. The best choice depends on your bone, your neighbouring teeth, your budget and your comfort. A good dental team will explain each option, with costs and timing, before you decide, and will help you understand your coverage up front.
If you live in South Surrey or White Rock and would like to talk through your options, you can learn more at the main website. Our original post on what happens if you don't replace a missing tooth covers the shifting teeth and bone changes in more detail.