Dental implants and bridges can both be used to replace missing teeth, but they work differently.
A traditional dental bridge uses neighbouring teeth to support a replacement tooth. Those supporting teeth are prepared for crowns that are connected to the artificial tooth between them.
A dental implant, in contrast, is placed into the jawbone and supports its own restoration. This means neighbouring teeth may not need to be prepared solely to replace the missing tooth.
However, implant treatment involves surgery and requires adequate healing and suitable bone and gum conditions.
The best option depends on many factors, including the condition of adjacent teeth, available bone, location of the missing tooth, your overall health, treatment timeline, and personal preferences.
There is no universal answer that is best for every patient.
If you’re exploring options for replacing a missing tooth in Port Moody, Port Moody Smile Dental can assess your situation and discuss the advantages and limitations of implants, bridges, and other alternatives.