{"id":20268,"date":"2026-11-12T09:33:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-12T16:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theportdental.ca\/blog\/?p=20268"},"modified":"2026-10-04T12:00:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T18:00:51","slug":"implant-vs-bridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theportdental.ca\/blog\/implant-vs-bridge\/","title":{"rendered":"Single Tooth Implant vs Bridge: Cost, Lifespan and Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The main implant vs bridge difference is support. A single tooth implant replaces the missing tooth’s root with a titanium post in the jawbone, so the teeth beside the gap are left alone. A bridge fills the gap with a false tooth held by crowns on the two neighbouring teeth, which must be filed down. A bridge is usually done in a few visits, while an implant needs several months to heal. The Canadian Dental Association says a well-cared-for bridge should last about 10 years or longer. The CDCP covers neither. Your neighbouring teeth, jawbone, health and budget decide which option suits you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At The Port Dental Clinic in NE Calgary, our dentists explain both options after an exam and X-rays. Read more about dental implants<\/a> and dental bridges<\/a> at our clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between an implant and a bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium<\/a> that is placed in the jawbone. Once it heals, an abutment (a small connector) and a crown (the visible tooth) are attached. The implant stands on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A bridge is an artificial tooth fused between 2 crowns<\/a>. The false tooth is called a pontic. The crowns fit over the teeth on each side of the gap, called abutment teeth, which the dentist files down first. A bridge is cemented in place, so you cannot remove it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other bridge designs exist. A resin-bonded (Maryland) bridge uses metal bands cemented to the back of nearby front teeth. A cantilever bridge is anchored on one side only. This guide compares the most common choice, a traditional bridge, with a single implant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Implant vs bridge: side-by-side comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is how the two options compare for one missing tooth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/th>Single tooth implant<\/th>Traditional bridge<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
How it works<\/td>A titanium post in the jaw holds a crown<\/td>A false tooth sits between crowns on the neighbouring teeth<\/td><\/tr>
Neighbouring teeth<\/td>Not used for support<\/td>Filed down to hold crowns<\/td><\/tr>
Procedure<\/td>Surgery under local anaesthetic (freezing), then a crown<\/td>Teeth shaped, impressions taken, temporary bridge, then final bridge<\/td><\/tr>
Time to finish<\/td>Several months<\/a> of healing before the final crown<\/td>A few visits, with a temporary bridge<\/a> in between<\/td><\/tr>
Daily cleaning<\/td>Brush and floss like a natural tooth, gently at the gumline<\/td>Brush, and floss under the false tooth with a floss threader<\/td><\/tr>
Typical lifespan<\/td>The CDA gives no set figure. It calls an implant a one-time cost in most cases<\/a>. The crown on top can wear, and crowns can last 10 years or longer<\/a>.<\/td>About 10 years, or perhaps longer<\/a>, with good care<\/td><\/tr>
Cost drivers<\/td>Imaging, any extraction or bone graft, abutment, crown and lab fees<\/td>Number of teeth spanned, materials, lab fees and any work on the supporting teeth<\/td><\/tr>
CDCP coverage<\/td>Not covered<\/a><\/td>Not covered<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When might an implant suit you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n