Dental Implant vs Bridge: Which Is Right for You? (Expert Guide)

Replacing a Missing Tooth: Two Options, Very Different Outcomes

If you have lost a tooth or are about to lose one, your dentist will typically present two main options for replacement: a dental implant or a dental bridge. Both can restore your smile and chewing ability, but the similarities largely end there.

The clinical evidence increasingly points in one direction. A cost-effectiveness study published on PubMed concluded that the implant as a first-line strategy is the “dominant strategy, considering the lower overall costs and the higher success rate.” But what exactly makes implants the stronger long-term choice? Let us look at the evidence.

How Each Option Works

A dental implant consists of three components: a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, an abutment that connects the post to the restoration, and a custom-made crown. The titanium post fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, effectively becoming an artificial tooth root. The implant stands alone and does not affect neighbouring teeth.

A dental bridge (specifically a three-unit bridge for a single missing tooth) spans the gap by anchoring to the teeth on either side. It consists of three connected crowns: two that cap the adjacent teeth (called abutment teeth) and one false tooth (pontic) that fills the gap. Creating a bridge requires permanently reshaping the healthy teeth on both sides.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor	Dental Implant	Dental Bridge
Success rate at 5 years	98.6%	93–96%
Survival rate at 10 years	90–95%	79–94%
Lifespan of the post/structure	Lifetime (with care)	10–15 years
Crown/restoration lifespan	15–20 years	10–15 years
Effect on adjacent teeth	None	Removes 60–75% of enamel
Bone preservation	Yes — stimulates bone	No — bone loss continues
Abutment tooth failure risk	Not applicable	30% within 5–7 years
Maintenance	Normal brushing and flossing	Special floss threaders required
Treatment time	3–6 months (healing period)	2–3 weeks
Reversible?	Yes (implant can be removed)	No (teeth permanently altered)

Sources: Success rate data from a 2025 study published at bajarsdental.com citing 98.6% implant success at 5 years. Bridge survival rates from Dentaris.com.mx review citing 79–94% at 10 years. Abutment tooth failure data from published dental research. Meta-analysis published in the Journal of Dentistry (2019) found overall implant survival rates of 90–95% at 10 years.

The Case for Dental Implants

Exceptional longevity. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Dentistry in 2019 analysed long-term implant survival data and found survival rates of 90–95% at 10 years. More recent studies show 98.6% success at 5 years post-loading. The titanium post can last a lifetime — it is the crown on top that may need replacement after 15–20 years.

Preservation of natural teeth. This is arguably the most important advantage. An implant stands independently. Your healthy adjacent teeth remain completely untouched. A bridge, by contrast, requires removing 60–75% of the enamel from two healthy teeth — an irreversible procedure that weakens them permanently.

Bone preservation. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it begins to resorb because it no longer receives stimulation from chewing forces. Research shows approximately 25% of bone volume is lost in the first year after extraction, with continued deterioration over time. A dental implant replaces the tooth root and provides the mechanical stimulation that keeps bone healthy. A bridge does nothing to prevent this bone loss.

Lower long-term cost. The cost-effectiveness study cited on PubMed found that implants have lower overall costs when you factor in maintenance, complications and replacement needs. While a bridge may cost less initially, the need for replacement every 10–15 years and the risk of complications with the supporting teeth can make it more expensive over a patient’s lifetime.

When a Bridge Might Be the Better Choice

Despite the evidence favouring implants, there are situations where a bridge is the more practical option:

• Adjacent teeth already need crowns: If the teeth on either side of the gap already have large fillings, decay or cracks and need crowns anyway, a bridge addresses multiple issues simultaneously.
• Insufficient bone for implant placement: Some patients lack adequate bone and cannot or prefer not to undergo bone grafting procedures.
• Medical conditions that affect healing: Uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications (particularly bisphosphonates) or conditions that impair healing may make implant surgery inadvisable.
• Time constraints: A bridge can be completed in 2–3 weeks, while implant treatment requires 3–6 months of healing. If you need a permanent solution quickly, a bridge delivers faster results.
• Smoking: Heavy smokers who cannot quit face significantly higher implant failure rates. A bridge may be more predictable in this situation.

Cost Comparison

The upfront cost difference between the two options is smaller than many people assume:

Treatment	UK Cost	Albania Cost
Single dental implant (with crown)	£2,000–£4,200	€400–€600
Three-unit dental bridge	£1,500–£3,000	€350–€600

In the UK, the price difference between an implant and a bridge is typically £500–£1,200. At a clinic in Albania, the two options cost almost the same. Considering the implant’s superior longevity and the protection it offers to your natural teeth, the small upfront premium is easy to justify.

Over 20 years, the picture shifts further. A bridge will likely need at least one replacement (£1,500–£3,000 again), plus you may need to address complications with the supporting teeth. An implant may need a new crown after 15–20 years (£500–£1,000), but the implant post itself remains stable.

Making Your Decision: Key Questions to Ask

Consider these questions when deciding between an implant and a bridge:

• Are the adjacent teeth healthy? If yes, an implant preserves them. A bridge permanently alters them.
• Do you have adequate bone? A CBCT 3D scan will answer this. If bone grafting is needed, factor in the additional time and cost.
• What is your long-term health outlook? If you are under 60 and in good health, an implant’s lifetime potential makes it the clear winner.
• How important is bone preservation? If you want to maintain your jawbone and facial structure long-term, only an implant provides this benefit.
• What is your budget? If cost is a major concern, consider getting an implant abroad. In Albania, a dental implant costs roughly the same as a bridge in the UK.

The Evidence Is Clear

The clinical data consistently supports dental implants as the superior long-term solution for single-tooth replacement. With a 98.6% success rate at 5 years, no damage to adjacent teeth, active bone preservation and a potentially lifetime lifespan, implants are the gold standard of modern dentistry.

A bridge remains a valid option in specific clinical situations, but for most patients with healthy adjacent teeth and adequate bone, the implant is the smarter investment.

Discuss Your Options with a Specialist

Empire Dental Clinic in Tirana offers both dental implants and bridges, and our dentists will give you an honest recommendation based on your clinical needs — not on what costs more. We use CBCT 3D scanning for precise diagnosis and treatment planning, so you will know exactly what each option involves before making a decision.

Visit our dental implants page or crowns and bridges page for more information, or contact us for a free consultation.