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βš–οΈ Expert Comparison Guide β€” 2026

Dental Implant
vs Dental Bridge

Which tooth replacement option is right for you? A clear, honest, side-by-side comparison β€” cost, durability, procedure, and more.

πŸ“Š Detailed Comparison at a Glance

Feature πŸ”© Implant 🦷 Bridge
Cost (at our clinic) β‚Ή25,000 – β‚Ή60,000+ per tooth β‚Ή8,000 – β‚Ή20,000 for 3-unit bridge
Procedure Type Surgical (requires bone drilling) Non-surgical (tooth shaping only)
Healing / Waiting Time 3–6 months (osseointegration) 1–2 weeks (same-month completion)
Lifespan 15–25+ years (lifetime with care) WINNER 8–15 years (may need replacement)
Adjacent Teeth Affected? ❌ No β€” completely independent WINNER ⚠️ Yes β€” healthy teeth must be filed down
Bone Preservation βœ… Stimulates bone β€” prevents shrinkage WINNER ❌ Bone below gap slowly resorbs over time
Cleaning & Maintenance Easy β€” brush & floss like natural tooth WINNER Requires special floss threader under bridge
Feel & Stability Identical to natural tooth, no movement WINNER Good, but slight difference in bite feel
Suitability Sufficient bone volume required; not for uncontrolled diabetics or smokers without modification Works for almost all patients β€” no surgery restrictions WIDER
Success Rate 95–98% over 10 years WINNER 90–95% over 10 years
Aesthetic Result Excellent β€” matches natural teeth perfectly Very good β€” but gum line may recede over time
Insurance Coverage Rarely covered in India More often covered under dental plans
When Possible? Any healthy adult with adequate bone When adjacent teeth need crowns anyway, or quick fix needed

🎯 Who Should Choose What?

πŸ”© Choose Implant If...

  • You want the most permanent solution
  • You value bone preservation long-term
  • Adjacent teeth are healthy β€” don't want them damaged
  • You have adequate bone volume (or can graft)
  • Budget allows for higher upfront investment
  • You're under 65 and in good general health
  • You want zero maintenance hassle (floss threaders etc.)
  • Only one or two teeth are missing with gaps between them

🦷 Choose Bridge If...

  • You need a faster solution (1–2 weeks)
  • Budget is limited (significantly lower cost)
  • Adjacent teeth already need crowns anyway
  • You have insufficient bone and don't want surgery
  • Medical conditions prevent implant surgery (uncontrolled diabetes, blood thinners)
  • Older patient with multiple missing teeth in a row
  • You want to avoid any surgical procedure
  • Temporary solution while planning implants later

πŸ”„ Procedure Step-by-Step Comparison

1 Implant Steps

Consultation & CBCT Scan
3D X-ray to check bone volume and plan placement.
Surgery Day
Titanium screw placed under local anesthesia. Takes ~1 hour.
Healing Phase (3–6 months)
Osseointegration β€” bone fuses with implant. Temporary crown may be placed.
Abutment Placement
Connector attached to implant after healing.
Final Crown
Custom zirconia/PFM crown cemented. Complete!

2 Bridge Steps

Consultation & X-Ray
Assess adjacent teeth strength and design the bridge.
Tooth Preparation
Adjacent teeth shaped and reduced under anesthesia β€” permanent change.
Impressions & Lab
Molds taken, bridge fabricated in dental lab (~1 week).
Temporary Bridge
Worn while permanent bridge is made.
Final Bridge Cemented
Permanent bridge fitted and checked for bite. Complete in ~2 visits!

πŸ’° Cost Breakdown at Deeksha Dental Care

πŸ”© Implant Cost

Implant fixture + surgeryβ‚Ή18,000–35,000
Abutmentβ‚Ή4,000–8,000
Crown (Zirconia)β‚Ή6,000–15,000
Bone graft (if needed)β‚Ή5,000–20,000
Totalβ‚Ή25,000–60,000+

🦷 Bridge Cost

3-unit bridge (PFM)β‚Ή8,000–15,000
3-unit bridge (Zirconia)β‚Ή18,000–25,000
X-ray & Consultationβ‚Ή500–1,500
Extractions (if needed)β‚Ή500–3,000
Totalβ‚Ή8,000–20,000

*Note: Bridge needs replacement every 8–15 years; implant is typically a lifetime investment.

πŸ€” Which is Better For Me?

Answer one question to get our quick recommendation:

❓ Common Questions

Can I get an implant after a bridge?

Yes! Many patients get bridges first and upgrade to implants later when budget allows. The bridge is removed, and if bone is adequate, implant placement proceeds normally.

Does bridge damage adjacent teeth permanently?

Yes, the enamel is permanently removed from adjacent teeth (abutments). This is why implants are preferred if those teeth are healthy β€” bridges are better when abutment teeth already need crowns.

Is implant surgery painful?

The surgery itself is painless with local anesthesia. Post-surgery discomfort is usually mild β€” managed with pain medication for 2–3 days. Most patients return to normal activity the next day.

Which lasts longer β€” implant or bridge?

Implants last 15–25+ years (often a lifetime), while bridges typically need replacement after 8–15 years. Long-term, implants are more cost-effective despite higher upfront cost.

Which is better for multiple missing teeth?

For 3+ consecutive missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge (2 implants supporting a multi-unit bridge) combines the bone-preservation benefits of implants with reduced cost vs. individual implants for each tooth.

πŸ“‹ Get a Personalized Recommendation

Our doctor will examine your specific case β€” bone health, budget, medical history β€” and recommend the best option for YOU.

πŸ“ Near Eid Gah Bari, Bikaner | Free initial consultation