When someone loses a tooth, the first reaction is usually frustration. It may not even be visible when you smile, but you notice it when you eat. Food tends to collect there. Chewing feels uneven. Sometimes the surrounding teeth start to shift slightly, and things just don’t feel the same.
In Tarzana, patients who come in to replace a missing tooth must often choose between a dental bridge and a dental implant. Bridges have been around longer, so people tend to be more familiar with them. But once patients understand how implants work, many realize they offer advantages that go far beyond appearance. The decision usually comes down to stability, longevity, and protecting the rest of the mouth.
Implants Replace the Root, Not Just the Visible Tooth
One of the biggest differences is something many people don’t realize at first. A dental bridge fills the space where a tooth is missing, but it relies entirely on the adjacent teeth. Those neighboring teeth have to be filed down so crowns can be placed over them, which then hold the bridge in position.
An implant works independently. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone, and over time, the bone integrates with it. Once healed, a crown is fixed on top. What patients often appreciate most is that the implant isn’t dependent on other teeth. It functions on its own.
Many Patients Prefer Not to Alter Healthy Teeth
This concern comes up frequently during consultations. If the teeth next to the missing one are strong and healthy, patients are understandably hesitant to have them reshaped. Once enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced. Those teeth will always need crowns.
With an implant, the surrounding teeth remain intact. For many Tarzana patients, this alone is enough to influence their decision. They would rather treat the problem directly rather than involve other teeth unnecessarily.
Jawbone Health Becomes a Factor Over Time
Something else happens after a tooth is lost, although it isn’t always obvious right away. The jawbone in that area begins to lose density because it’s no longer being used in the same way. The body simply stops maintaining bone that no longer serves a function.
Over time, this can lead to subtle changes. The space can deepen slightly. In some cases, nearby teeth begin to drift. An implant helps prevent that process by restoring stimulation to the bone. It essentially gives the bone a reason to stay strong. A bridge does not address this, since it rests above the gums.
Patients Often Say Implants Feel More Like Their Natural Teeth
Once the implant has healed and the crown is placed, most patients stop thinking about it entirely. It becomes part of their normal routine. They can chew normally. There’s no sensation of movement. Nothing feels attached to other teeth.
Bridges can restore function well, but patients are sometimes more aware of them, particularly when eating certain foods. Implants tend to feel more natural because they are anchored in the jawbone, much like real teeth.
Longevity Plays a Major Role in the Decision
Here is another area where implants stand out. Bridges can last many years, but they do have a lifespan. Eventually, they may need replacement, especially if the supporting teeth develop decay or structural issues. Implants, on the other hand, are designed to be a permanent solution. The crown itself may need to be replaced after many years of use, but the implant remains in place. Patients often prefer knowing they are solving the problem once, rather than planning for future replacement.
Maintenance Is Straightforward
Taking care of implants surprises people, because they sound more complex than bridges. In reality, caring for an implant is no different than caring for your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings are all that’s required.
Bridges can require more attention underneath the artificial tooth, where plaque can accumulate if it isn’t cleaned thoroughly. Patients appreciate the simplicity of implant care, especially in the long run.
Confidence: A Huge Part of the Story
Even when a missing tooth isn’t immediately visible, people are aware of it. It affects how they chew and, sometimes, how they speak. Once an implant is in place, most patients describe a sense of relief. The space is gone. Their bite feels balanced again. There’s no concern about shifting or loosening. It simply feels normal. For patients who have lived with a missing tooth for a while, that change makes a meaningful difference.
Why More Tarzana Patients Are Choosing Implants
Bridges still serve an important role, and in some situations, they remain a good option. But implants address the issue more completely. They restore the root, preserve bone, and avoid involving neighboring teeth. They also provide stability that patients can rely on day after day. Most patients who choose implants say the same thing afterward. They wish they had done it sooner.
If you’re considering replacing a missing tooth, the best way to decide is to speak with a dentist who can evaluate your specific situation. Every case is different, but for many Tarzana patients, dental implants have proven to be the solution that feels most secure, most natural, and most lasting.