After losing a tooth, the main replacement options are often an implant-supported crown, a tooth-supported bridge or a removable partial denture. No option is automatically best; the choice depends on health, anatomy, neighbouring teeth, time, maintenance and budget.
Implant-supported crown
An implant replaces the missing root and supports a crown without preparing the adjacent teeth. Treatment involves surgery and healing, and adequate bone and healthy gums are important. Implants require meticulous cleaning and ongoing monitoring.
Fixed dental bridge
A conventional bridge uses neighbouring teeth for support. It may avoid implant surgery and can be completed more quickly, but supporting teeth usually need preparation. A bridge can be particularly reasonable when those teeth already need crowns. Cleaning beneath the replacement tooth requires special floss or brushes.
Removable partial denture
A removable option can replace one or several teeth and may require less invasive treatment. It must be removed for cleaning and may feel less like a natural tooth. Fit, comfort and stability vary with the design and remaining teeth.
What about leaving the space?
In selected situations, monitoring a space may be reasonable. In others, neighbouring teeth can drift, the opposing tooth can move or chewing may be affected. The location of the gap and the bite matter.
Making the decision
Your dentist should examine the teeth and gums, review X-rays and discuss expected longevity, complications, maintenance and total treatment stages. Ask what happens if the chosen restoration fails and whether any future replacement would be possible.
Clinical content should be reviewed before final publication.
Last updated: August 2026