Implant, bridge or denture: how to replace a missing tooth
Each option fills the gap differently. Your bone, nearby teeth, health and budget all shape the choice.
An implant replaces the root with a post in the jawbone and holds a crown, without touching nearby teeth. A bridge attaches a false tooth to the teeth on either side. A partial denture is removable and can replace several teeth at once. Implants take longest to complete; dentures are usually the quickest and least invasive.
Why replace a missing tooth at all
A gap can affect chewing and speech, and over time the teeth beside it may tip into the space while the opposite tooth drifts toward it. The jawbone where the tooth used to be also slowly shrinks. Replacing the tooth helps keep your bite stable.
Not every gap needs filling, especially far back in the mouth. Your dentist can tell you whether leaving it is a reasonable choice.
Dental implants
An implant is a small titanium or ceramic post placed in the jawbone. After the bone heals around it, which often takes a few months, a crown is attached on top. Implants can also support a bridge or hold a full denture in place.
At our office, the implant surgery is arranged with a specialist. Once it has healed, we design, make and fit the crown, bridge or snap-on denture that sits on the implant.
- Doesn't involve the neighbouring teeth
- Helps preserve bone in the area
- Needs enough healthy bone, or bone grafting first
- Involves surgery and a longer timeline
- Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can affect healing
Bridges
A traditional bridge uses crowns on the teeth either side of the gap to hold a false tooth in between. A cantilever bridge is anchored on one side only. A Maryland bridge uses small wings bonded to the backs of the neighbouring teeth and needs less tooth preparation.
Bridges are fixed in place and usually completed in two or three visits. The supporting teeth must be strong, and a traditional bridge requires reshaping them, which is permanent. Cleaning under the bridge with a floss threader or water flosser is important.
Partial dentures
A partial denture is a removable plate with replacement teeth. It may have an acrylic base, a thin metal frame, or a flexible material, and it clips onto your remaining teeth. It's often the quickest way to replace several missing teeth and can be added to if more teeth are lost later.
Dentures take some getting used to for speaking and eating. They need daily cleaning, should come out at night, and may need relining over time as the gums change. Implant-supported dentures snap onto implants for a firmer fit.
Factors that shape the choice
Your dentist will go through these with you and explain the trade-offs for your situation.
- How many teeth are missing and where they are
- Whether the teeth next to the gap are healthy or already need crowns
- How much bone is left in the area
- Your general health, medications and whether you smoke
- How you feel about removable versus fixed teeth
- Your timeline, budget and insurance coverage
Frequently asked questions
Which option lasts the longest?
With good care and regular checkups, implants can last many years, though the crown on top may need replacing eventually. Bridges and dentures also last for years but are more likely to need repair or replacement over time.
Can I get an implant if I've been missing a tooth for years?
Often yes, but the bone may have shrunk. A 3D scan or X-rays will show whether bone grafting is needed first.
Does insurance cover these options?
Coverage varies widely. Many plans cover bridges and dentures under major services, and some cover implants. We can submit a predetermination to see what your plan pays.
Can I get dentures through the CDCP at Lilac?
Partial dentures may be an option under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Complete upper and lower dentures are not provided under CDCP at our office.
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Trusted health information
General information only; not a substitute for an exam. Reviewed by Dr. Sayeh Maralani, DDS, general dentist. Last updated 2026-11-03.
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