When a tooth is missing, the two most common fixed options are a dental implant and a dental bridge. Both can work well; the best choice depends on your mouth, health and budget.
Dental implant
A titanium or zirconia post placed in the jawbone, topped with a crown.
- Pros: doesn’t involve neighboring teeth, helps preserve bone, can last many years with good care.
- Cons: surgery, healing time of several months, usually higher upfront cost, may need a bone graft.
Dental bridge
A false tooth held by crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap.
- Pros: no surgery, finished in a few weeks, often lower upfront cost.
- Cons: requires reshaping healthy neighboring teeth, harder to floss under, bone under the gap can shrink over time.
Questions to ask your dentist
- Is my bone volume enough for an implant?
- What is the condition of the teeth next to the gap?
- What is the total cost, including any extractions, grafts and the final crown?
- What does my insurance cover for each option?
Other options include removable partial dentures. See our general cost estimates for typical price ranges.