Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile. They can affect how you speak, chew, and even cause your facial structure to change over time.
Fortunately, today’s dental technology offers excellent tooth replacement options — most commonly dental implants and dental bridges — which can help you regain your quality of life by restoring both function and appearance.
So how do you decide which is right for you?
At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our board-certified oral surgeons specialize in dental implant surgery, and we’re here to walk you through the pros and cons of each solution. Understanding the differences between implants and bridges can help you make a confident, informed decision about your long-term oral health.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It’s surgically placed in the jawbone and topped with a custom-made crown to restore both function and appearance.
“When a tooth is lost due to injury or disease, a person can experience complications such as rapid bone loss, defective speech or changes to chewing patterns that result in discomfort,” says the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and health.”
A dental bridge is a restoration that literally "bridges the gap" between two healthy teeth. It involves placing a false tooth (or teeth) anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth.
“Dental bridges have many advantages for people who are missing teeth as a result of dental disease, fractures or injury,” says Oral-B. “If you maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly, a fixed dental bridge can last for approximately 10 years.”
Let’s break down the key differences in several critical areas:
Consider this: If you’re looking for a fast fix, a bridge might seem more convenient — but implants offer greater long-term benefits with a little more patience.
Our view: Preserving your natural teeth whenever possible is ideal. For this reason, implants are often the more conservative option, despite requiring surgery.
Why it matters: Bone loss can change your facial appearance and create future dental challenges. Implants actively support long-term facial structure and oral health.
Bonus: Dental implants are also easier to clean — just brush and floss like natural teeth. Bridges require cleaning under the false tooth, which can be trickier to manage.
Perspective: While cost is a valid concern, patients often find that implants pay for themselves in stability, longevity and fewer future procedures.
Dental bridges remain a reliable and effective solution, particularly in situations such as:
If you’re not a candidate for dental implants — or simply want a faster solution — a dental bridge can still restore your smile and function with great results.
At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we’ve helped thousands of patients transform their smiles and protect their long-term health with dental implants. Here’s why many people ultimately choose implants:
Plus, our practice uses advanced technology such as 3D imaging and computer-guided surgery to ensure precise placement and shorter recovery times.
The best way to determine whether a dental implant or bridge is the right solution for your missing tooth (or teeth) is to schedule a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We’ll evaluate your oral health, bone density and overall medical history to tailor the best treatment plan for your needs.
At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our skilled team proudly serves patients across North Houston and the surrounding area, with six locations including The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Montgomery and Huntsville.
We specialize in state-of-the-art dental implant surgery and are happy to coordinate with your general dentist or prosthodontist to ensure seamless care from start to finish.
Ready to restore your smile? Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, we’re here to help. Contact Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today to schedule a personalized consultation and explore your options.