Bridge, implant, or denture

A bridge is a fixed replacement that relies on neighbouring teeth for support. It can replace a missing tooth where those adjacent teeth can carry the restoration.

An implant is placed into the jawbone and can support a replacement tooth. Planning includes assessment of the mouth, supporting bone and the site where the implant will be placed.

The three routes use different support designs: adjacent teeth for a bridge, the jawbone for an implant, and a removable appliance for a denture. An implant also involves surgery before the replacement tooth is fitted.

Dentures can be removed for cleaning. A bridge relies on its supporting teeth, while implant care includes cleaning the implant and the tissues around it.

Implant surgery can involve infection, damage to nearby structures and failure of the implant to integrate with the bone. Assessment of the mouth and jawbone comes before that surgical route.

Replacement may need to wait where the mouth or supporting bone requires treatment first. Implant planning depends on the condition of the proposed site before surgery.

Compare where support will come from: neighbouring teeth, jawbone or a removable appliance. Then consider the condition of the mouth and supporting bone, plus whether surgery is part of the route.