Dental implants bridges dentures
Implants replace tooth roots, bridges replace one or more missing teeth, and dentures replace several or all teeth without fixed roots.
The short answer
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, bridges are fixed replacement teeth supported by teeth or implants, and dentures are removable replacement teeth. The choice depends on the number and position of missing teeth, gum and bone health, and whether you want a removable or fixed restoration.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
An implant has a titanium or ceramic fixture placed in the jaw, an abutment that connects to it, and a crown or bridge above the gum. A conventional bridge uses crowns on neighbouring prepared teeth, while a denture uses an acrylic or metal base carrying artificial teeth and may be partial or complete.
What can you do next?
Have the missing teeth, bite, gums, jawbone, and remaining teeth examined, usually with dental X-rays and sometimes three-dimensional imaging. The dentist can then compare a single implant crown, an implant-supported bridge, a tooth-supported bridge, a partial denture, or a complete denture for your anatomy.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange an assessment if a tooth is missing, loose, painful, or difficult to clean, because untreated gaps can affect chewing and the position of nearby teeth. Seek prompt care for facial swelling, fever, drainage, uncontrolled bleeding, or a denture sore that does not settle after adjustment.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask which restoration fits the location of the gap, whether bone or gum treatment is needed, how neighbouring teeth would be affected, and how the restoration will be cleaned. Also ask about the treatment stages, healing requirements, repair plan, and alternatives if an implant is unsuitable.
Frequently asked questions
Can an implant support more than one tooth?
Yes. Multiple implants can support a bridge or an overdenture when the design suits the jaw and bite.
Is a bridge removable?
A conventional bridge is fixed to prepared teeth, while an implant-retained overdenture is designed for removal.