For single tooth replacements, most dentists recommend implants over bridges. Granted, this is quite subjective and based on personal experience and preference. Implants have been around for over 30 years and in the hands of an experienced dentist, the success rates are over 99%. Implants are superior to bridges for the following reasons:
1) Implants are independently seated and are not anchored to adjacent teeth. Therefore there is no damaging of adjacent teeth as compared to the preparation for bridges.
2) Long term viability is very good to excellent with no need to replace an implant if it is properly cared for.
3) Although implants have a more expensive initial cost, it should be cheaper over the course of a lifetime compared to bridges. Implants rarely require revision but bridges may require additional work as they rely on the integrity of anchor teeth.
4) Implant can be removed without damage to adjacent teeth.
Whereas bridges were the standard of care in the 80’s and 90’s, the field of implant dentistry has evolved. As testament to the success of implants, most of my colleagues would opt for implants for themselves. However, implants do carry disadvantages compared to bridges. These include:
1) As a surgical procedure, implants carry all the risks associated with surgery including infection, nerve damage, poor wound healing, and even death. Bridges don’t carry this risk.
2) The process from tooth extraction to implant integration may take as long as 1 year.
3) Implants require more frequent follow-up (at least initially) compared to bridges.
4) As mentioned above, the initial cost of implants is significantly higher than that of bridges.