Single-Tooth Implant vs. Bridge: Which Is the Best Permanent Solution?

When you’re missing a tooth, it’s more than just a gap in your smile, it can affect how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. Fortunately, today’s dental technology offers proven solutions to restore your smile and functionality. Two of the most common options for replacing a single missing tooth are dental implants and bridges.

At Carron Family Dental in Ballwin, MO, Dr. Tyler Carron and his caring team are here to walk you through the benefits of each, so you can make the best choice for your long-term dental health and confidence.

What Is a Single-Tooth Implant?

A single-tooth implant is a permanent dental restoration designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. It consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone, which acts as the root, and a custom-crafted crown that completes your smile. The benefits of a single-tooth implant include:

• Durability: Designed to last decades, often a lifetime with proper care
• Bone preservation: Stimulates the jawbone to prevent bone loss over time
• No impact on adjacent teeth: Unlike a bridge, it doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth for support
• Natural appearance: Seamlessly blends in with existing teeth

Dr. Carron uses advanced imaging and technology to ensure precise placement, making the process more comfortable and predictable. For patients seeking a long-term, low-maintenance solution, a single-tooth implant offers unbeatable reliability.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is another common solution for replacing a missing tooth. It consists of one or more crowns fused together, anchored to the adjacent teeth. While it doesn’t require surgery, it does rely on the surrounding teeth for support. The benefits of choosing a dental bridge include:

• Faster treatment: Typically completed in just two dental visits over a 3-4 week period, so you can enjoy faster results
• Lower upfront cost: Bridges are usually less expensive than single-tooth implants, and are typically at least partially covered by dental insurance
• No need for surgery: Dental bridges are much less invasive than implants, so they're great if you’d like to avoid surgery or your jawbone isn’t strong enough for a single-tooth implant

However, it’s important to note that dental bridges require the modification of healthy adjacent teeth. They also don’t protect against jawbone loss in the gap where the tooth is missing. So while bridges remain a reliable option, modern patients often lean toward implants due to their standout long-term benefits.

How Do You Know Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing between a single-tooth implant and a bridge depends on more than just the missing tooth, it involves your lifestyle, oral health, and long-term goals. Here’s what Dr. Carrion will consider and discuss with you during your consultation:

• Bone density: Is your jawbone healthy enough to support an implant?
• Oral hygiene habits: Do you maintain strong at-home care practices?
• Budget and affordability: Are you using insurance or considering our membership plan options?
• Longevity: Are you seeking a lifelong solution with less future maintenance?

We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of both bridges and single-tooth implants and offer honest guidance based on your unique situation, just like we would for our own family members.

Why Patients Choose Carron Family Dental for Tooth Replacement

At Carron Family Dental, our patients aren't just a number, they’re neighbors, friends, and families we’ve known for years. That’s why every treatment plan is carefully tailored to your needs, comfort, and goals. We pair compassionate care with state-of-the-art dental technology to deliver the best possible outcomes, whether you choose a dental implant or bridge.

Our affordable membership plans also help make care accessible families without insurance, covering preventive services and offering discounts on treatments like tooth replacements. You can expect:

• A friendly, low-pressure consultation environment
• Modern technology for accurate diagnoses and treatment planning
• Experienced care from Dr. Carron and a team who truly listens

When you're ready to restore your smile, you can count on us to make the journey straightforward and stress-free.

Schedule a Tooth Replacement Consultation in Ballwin

If you're exploring your best permanent solution for a missing tooth, whether it’s a dental implant or bridge, Carron Family Dental is here to help you make the right choice for your smile and health. Conveniently located in Ballwin, we invite you to call (636) 256-3559 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tyler Carron. Let’s work together to restore your confidence, one tooth at a time.