When you are missing a tooth, there are several replacement options.
Flipper/Partial Denture
This is a removable prosthesis that replaces the missing tooth/teeth. It can be very small, discrete and matches your natural tooth color. This option is the most conservative, reversible and can be a temporary or long-term solution.
Implants
A surgically-placed titanium or zirconia post replaces the missing tooth root. The crown of the tooth (the visible tooth portion) is made at a secondary procedure made several months after the implant is placed.
Read more about titanium vs zirconia implants
Bridges
A traditional bridge is a false tooth (abutment) splinted by crowns to the adjacent teeth. The unit is cemented onto your natural teeth. A Carlson/Maryland/Composite bridge is when a false tooth is glued on to the sides of the adjacent teeth. Thus, minimal tooth structure is lost.
Read more about Dental Bridge Options