# Dental Implant or Bridge for One Missing Tooth?

Source: https://vitasmile.istanbul/dental-implant-vs-bridge

Patient guide

For one missing tooth, an implant replaces the root and leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched, but it needs surgery, enough bone and months of healing. A conventional bridge needs no surgery and fewer visits, but the teeth on either side are cut down for crowns. In 10-year studies, both failed at similar yearly rates.

[Published by Vita Smile Dental Clinic](https://vitasmile.istanbul/about-us) October 6, 2026 Sources (13)

## Key takeaways

- A conventional bridge needs the teeth either side of the gap cut down, which cannot be undone; an implant does not involve them [4][5].
- Single implant crowns and conventional bridges failed at almost the same yearly rate in 10-year studies: 1.12% and 1.14% [12].
- A resin-bonded bridge needs little or no drilling, but 15% came unstuck within 5 years [6][11].
- After an extraction, the jawbone shrinks fastest in the first 3 to 6 months [8]; an implant replaces the root and, patient guides say, helps preserve the bone [3][4].

Clinically reviewed by

[Dr. Saffet Ekinci](https://vitasmile.istanbul/our-doctors/dt-saffet-ekinci)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon · Implant & Surgical Dentistry Specialist

  Last reviewed October 7, 2026

  Sources 13 sources cited

The basics

## What is the difference between an implant and a bridge?

Both give you a fixed tooth that you do not take out. The difference is what holds it.

- **Dental implant**A small titanium screw in the jawbone replaces the root of the missing tooth and, once healed, holds a [crown](https://vitasmile.istanbul/treatments/dental-crowns) [2]. The teeth beside the gap are not involved [4].
- **Conventional bridge**Crowns are placed on the teeth either side of the gap, and a false tooth is joined between them [1].
- Resin-bonded bridge, also called a Maryland bridge: the false tooth has small wings bonded to the back of a neighbouring tooth, so it needs very little drilling [1][6].

Our pages on [dental implants](https://vitasmile.istanbul/treatments/dental-implants) and the [dental bridge](https://vitasmile.istanbul/treatments/dental-bridge) explain each treatment in full.

Neighbouring teeth

## What happens to the teeth next to the gap?

For many patients, this decides it. A conventional bridge needs the supporting teeth cut down for crowns, and this cannot be undone [5]. In laboratory measurements on model front teeth, a full crown preparation removed about 63–72% of the tooth above the gum, against about 3–30% for veneer and resin-bonded bridge preparations [7]. Bristol Dental School also tells patients that if a supporting tooth has a healthy nerve, there is roughly a 20% chance that the nerve becomes inflamed and dies over time, which then needs [root canal treatment](https://vitasmile.istanbul/treatments/root-canal-treatment) or an extraction [5].

It is different if the teeth beside the gap already have large fillings or crowns: then a bridge can reinforce them while it replaces the missing tooth [5].

An implant leaves the neighbouring teeth alone: a one-tooth solution to a one-tooth problem [4]. A resin-bonded bridge sits in between: most need no drilling, and if one comes off, the tooth underneath is not damaged [6].

- 63–72%

    of a front tooth above the gum removed for a full crown, in laboratory measurements [7]
- Roughly 20%

    chance that the healthy nerve of a supporting tooth becomes inflamed and dies [5]

Your jawbone

## What happens to the bone after a tooth is lost?

The bony ridge that held the tooth starts to shrink. A 2012 review of 20 studies found that, in studies that re-examined the bone directly, the ridge lost 29–63% of its width and 11–22% of its height within 6 months of the extraction, fastest in the first 3 to 6 months [8].

An implant takes the place of the root inside the bone, and patient guides say it helps preserve the existing bone [3][4]. A bridge replaces the visible tooth but not the root. An implant does need enough healthy bone to take hold, and severe bone loss can make it inadvisable [4], so your dentist checks the health and strength of your jawbone first [2].

- 29–63%

    of the ridge width lost within 6 months of an extraction [8]
- 11–22%

    of the ridge height lost in the same period [8]

The evidence

## Which lasts longer, an implant or a bridge?

- Single implants: in a review of 46 studies, 95.2% of implants carrying a single crown were still in place after 10 years, and 89.4% of the crowns [9].
- Conventional bridges: in a review of 19 studies, 89.1% were still in place after 10 years, but only 71.1% had no complication at all [10].
- Resin-bonded bridges: in a review of 29 studies, 82.9% were still in place after 10 years; zirconia frameworks, single wings and front teeth did better [11].

An analysis of six systematic reviews compared yearly failure rates in 10-year studies: 1.12% for single implant crowns and 1.14% for conventional bridges, almost the same, against 4.31% for resin-bonded bridges [12]. Direct comparisons are rare: one review found no study that compared the two head to head, and in its pooled data implant crowns did better than all bridge types grouped together at 5 years, but not better than conventional bridges alone [13].

These figures describe groups of patients, not your mouth. Our guide on [how long dental implants last](https://vitasmile.istanbul/how-long-do-dental-implants-last) explains what shortens an implant's life.

- 1.12% vs 1.14%

    yearly failure rates of single implant crowns and conventional bridges [12]
- 95.2%

    of implants with a single crown still in place after 10 years [9]
- 89.1%

    of conventional bridges still in place after 10 years [10]

Side by side

## Single implant vs conventional bridge vs resin-bonded bridge

All three give you a fixed tooth. They differ in what holds it, what happens to the teeth beside the gap and how long treatment takes.

|  | Single implant | Conventional bridge | Resin-bonded bridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teeth beside the gap | Not involved | Cut down for crowns; not reversible | Little or no drilling |
| Surgery | Yes | No | No |
| Before the final tooth | Usually around 4 months of healing | Typically 2–3 visits | Typically 2–3 appointments |
| Coming loose | Crown: 4.1% within 5 years; loose screws: 8.8% | 6.4% within 10 years | 15% within 5 years |
| Still in place at 10 years | 95.2% of implants; 89.4% of crowns | 89.1% | 82.9% |
| Failures per year, 10-year studies | 1.12% | 1.14% | 4.31% |

Oral Health Foundation [1][2], Cleveland Clinic [4], Bristol Dental School [5][6]; reviews of single implant crowns [9], conventional [10] and resin-bonded bridges [11]; yearly failure rates from six systematic reviews [12].

Time and care

## How many visits does each take, and how do you clean it?

A conventional bridge typically takes two to three visits [5]: the supporting teeth are shaped and a temporary bridge fitted, then the finished bridge is fixed [3]. An implant must first heal into the bone, usually for around four months [2].

At Vita Smile in Istanbul, a bridge typically needs at least two appointments, with 1–2 weeks of laboratory work in between. For an implant, the first visit usually takes 3 to 7 days without a bone graft, and surgery takes 1 to 3 hours; after 3 to 6 months of healing, a second visit fits the crown. If the tooth has only just been removed, a bridge waits too: the gum can take around 6 months to heal [1].

Around an implant, clean every day with interdental brushes, as plaque can cause peri-implantitis [2]. Under a bridge, clean every day with special floss, floss threaders or small interdental brushes [1][3], since decay in a supporting tooth weakens the bridge [3].

Making the choice

## Which suits whom, and how does the dentist decide?

An implant often suits you if:

- The teeth either side are healthy and you would rather not have them cut down [4]
- You have enough healthy bone and have finished growing, typically from 18 [4]
- Your gums are healthy and any diabetes is under control; smoking can disrupt healing [4]

A conventional bridge often suits you if the teeth either side already have large fillings or crowns and are strong enough to support it [5], or if an implant is not advisable for you [4]. A resin-bonded bridge can suit a single missing tooth, especially at the front, next to a healthy tooth [6][11].

Your dentist weighs the teeth beside the gap, your bone and your health, explains the time and upkeep of each option, and confirms the choice only after an examination and X-rays. At Vita Smile, implants are planned by our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, [Dr. Saffet Ekinci](https://vitasmile.istanbul/our-doctors/dt-saffet-ekinci), and bridges by [Dr. Vildan Aktamış](https://vitasmile.istanbul/our-doctors/dt-vildan-aktamis), a general dentist who focuses on prosthodontics. For costs, see [dental implant prices and packages](https://vitasmile.istanbul/prices/dental-implants-costs-and-packages-in-turkey).

From our surgeon

> “The teeth on either side of the gap usually settle this question. If they are healthy and untouched, I don't like grinding them down to hold a bridge, so where the bone allows it, I suggest an implant. If they already carry large fillings or crowns, a bridge can protect them and replace the missing tooth in one piece of work. The trade-off is time: an implant needs months of healing, and I want you to know that before you choose.”

  [Dr. Saffet Ekinci](https://vitasmile.istanbul/our-doctors/dt-saffet-ekinci)  · Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon · Implant & Surgical Dentistry Specialist

Questions

## Implant vs bridge: frequently asked questions

Can't find your answer? Our coordinators are happy to help on WhatsApp.

[Ask on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905434595095)

  Is an implant better than a bridge for one missing tooth?Neither is better for everyone. In 10-year studies, single implant crowns and conventional bridges failed at almost the same yearly rate, 1.12% and 1.14% [12]. An implant spares the neighbouring teeth but needs surgery and healing time [2][4]; a bridge avoids surgery but means cutting those teeth down [5].

   Does a bridge damage the neighbouring teeth?A conventional bridge needs the teeth beside the gap cut down, which cannot be undone, and the nerve of a supporting tooth can become inflamed and die over time [5]. A resin-bonded bridge needs little or no drilling [6].

   Will I lose bone under a bridge?After an extraction the bony ridge shrinks, fastest in the first 3 to 6 months [8]. A bridge does not replace the root; an implant does, and patient guides say it helps preserve the existing bone [3][4].

   Is an implant or a bridge better for a front tooth?Both are used at the front. In one review, 7.1% of single implant crowns had a problem with their appearance within 5 years [9]. Resin-bonded bridges did better at the front of the mouth than at the back [11] and need little or no drilling [6].

   How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?A bridge needs at least two appointments, with 1–2 weeks of laboratory work in between. For an implant, the first visit usually takes 3 to 7 days without a bone graft, and you return for the crown after 3 to 6 months of healing. Your written plan states the number of trips.

   How much does an implant or a bridge cost in Turkey?It depends on the option, the number of teeth involved and the materials. After a free online assessment you receive a personalised plan; the written quote is confirmed after your examination. See [dental implant prices](https://vitasmile.istanbul/prices/dental-implants-costs-and-packages-in-turkey) and [crown prices](https://vitasmile.istanbul/prices/dental-crowns-costs-and-packages-in-turkey).

Next steps

## Related treatments

### [Dental Implants](https://vitasmile.istanbul/treatments/dental-implants)

One implant for one missing tooth: who it suits, each stage and the risks.

### [Dental Bridge](https://vitasmile.istanbul/treatments/dental-bridge)

Conventional, cantilever and resin-bonded bridges: fitting, cleaning and lifespan.

### [Dental Crowns](https://vitasmile.istanbul/treatments/dental-crowns)

The crown on an implant, and the crowns that hold a conventional bridge.

### [How Long Do Dental Implants Last?](https://vitasmile.istanbul/how-long-do-dental-implants-last)

What the research says about implant lifespan.

## Sources

Studies and patient guides this page is based on.

1. [1] [Dental bridges — Oral Health Foundation (updated 17 April 2026)](https://www.dentalhealth.org/bridges) · dentalhealth.org
2. [2] [Implants — Oral Health Foundation](https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-implants) · dentalhealth.org
3. [3] [Dental Bridges: Types & Who Needs Them — Cleveland Clinic (last updated 24 May 2023)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges) · my.clevelandclinic.org
4. [4] [Dental Implants: Types, Purpose & Benefits — Cleveland Clinic (last updated 11 June 2026)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10903-dental-implants) · my.clevelandclinic.org
5. [5] [Conventional dental bridges — patient information, Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol](https://www.bristol.ac.uk/dental/treatment/patient-information/dental-bridges/) · bristol.ac.uk
6. [6] [Resin-bonded bridges — patient information, Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol](https://www.bristol.ac.uk/dental/treatment/patient-information/resin-bonded-bridges/) · bristol.ac.uk
7. [7] [Edelhoff D, Sorensen JA. Tooth structure removal associated with various preparation designs for anterior teeth. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2002](https://doi.org/10.1067/mpr.2002.124094) · doi.org
8. [8] [Tan WL, Wong TL, Wong MC, Lang NP. A systematic review of post-extractional alveolar hard and soft tissue dimensional changes in humans. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2012](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02375.x) · doi.org
9. [9] [Jung RE, Zembic A, Pjetursson BE, Zwahlen M, Thoma DS. Systematic Review of the Survival Rate and the Incidence of Biological, Technical, and Aesthetic Complications of Single Crowns on Implants Reported in Longitudinal Studies with a Mean Follow-Up of 5 Years. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2012](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0501.2012.02547.x) · doi.org
10. [10] [Tan K, Pjetursson BE, Lang NP, Chan ES. A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) after an observation period of at least 5 years. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2004](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0501.2004.01119.x) · doi.org
11. [11] [Thoma DS, Sailer I, Ioannidis A, Zwahlen M, Makarov N, Pjetursson BE. A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses after a mean observation period of at least 5 years. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2017](https://doi.org/10.1111/clr.13007) · doi.org
12. [12] [Pjetursson BE, Zwahlen M, Lang NP. Quality of reporting of clinical studies to assess and compare performance of implant-supported restorations. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2012 (analysis of six systematic reviews)](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051X.2011.01828.x) · doi.org
13. [13] [Salinas TJ, Eckert SE. In patients requiring single-tooth replacement, what are the outcomes of implant- as compared to tooth-supported restorations? International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18437792/) · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov