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Missing a tooth: dental implant or bridge?

Updated 29 Oct 2026

Short answer: Both implants and bridges replace a missing tooth. Neither is automatically better for everyone: the dentist needs to check the neighbouring teeth, your bone on a scan and your general health before giving you a main option and an alternative.

What is an implant?

An implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone in place of the root, with a porcelain crown on top. It does not require reshaping the neighbouring teeth and helps limit bone loss where the tooth was lost.

What is a bridge?

A bridge uses the two neighbouring teeth as supports: they are reshaped and a joined row of porcelain crowns is fitted across the gap. No implant surgery is needed.

Quick comparison

	Implant	Bridge
Neighbouring teeth	Not reshaped	Reshaped as supports
Bone at the gap	Bone loss limited	May shrink over time
Surgery	Yes, implant placement	No
Requirements	Enough bone, suitable health	Healthy neighbouring teeth

What decides the result of an implant?

The implant itself is only one part. The result also depends on diagnosis, planning where the implant goes, sterile technique, the crown on top and follow-up while the implant bonds with the bone. That is why implant cases at HT Seoul are planned on a CT scan and instruments are sterilised in a dedicated room.

Who should tell the dentist first?

Anyone with diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, anyone on blood thinners, smokers, and anyone who has had jaw surgery. This does not rule you out, but the dentist needs to know to choose a safe plan.

Send photos for a free online review

The dentist reviews your photos and X-rays online and gives you a cost range before you fly. Exam and X-ray are free.

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