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When a single tooth is missing, the two most common treatment options are the traditional tooth supported bridge and an implant supported crown. When a traditional bridge is used to replace a missing tooth, the adjacent teeth are cut down into peg shapes in order to fit the cemented bridge in place.
This compromises the long-term health of the adjacent teeth unnecessarily. And since the average life span of a bridge is 10.1 years, when a bridge does fail, it generally results in the need for more extensive, costly treatment in the future. (see Implants vs. Bridges)
This method of tooth replacement can be very esthetic and functional for a period of time. However, a tooth supported bridge does not replace the bone that previously surrounded the root. Since there is no longer a root to hold the bone in place, the bone deteriorates, or melts away.
If this occurs in the front of the mouth, the defect in the bone is often visible.
 There are many advantages to replacing a single missing tooth with an implant supported crown:
- It looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth
- It is much more esthetic long term
- It does not decay
- There is no need to grind down the adjacent natural teeth
- The bone is preserved, preventing a visible bony defect
- It is more hygienic (easier to clean) than a tooth supported bridge
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