DrDad’s answer: For a single missing back tooth, when the conditions are favorable, I personally tend to prefer an implant because it replaces the missing tooth without relying on the neighboring teeth.
The front of the mouth can be a different conversation. A bridge can sometimes get the patient to a fixed-looking temporary and final restoration faster, while an implant may require healing time and a removable temporary such as a flipper during part of treatment. Esthetics, bone, gum tissue, timing, and the condition of the adjacent teeth all matter.
Long term, even in the front, I often lean toward an implant when the clinical conditions are appropriate—but that does not make an implant automatically right for every patient.
What I Would Ask Your Dentist
What happens to the neighboring teeth with each option? What will I wear while it heals? How long will the entire process take?
Related: Dental Implant vs Bridge: Which Would I Choose for a Missing Tooth?
DrDad Tips
For back teeth, think about preserving the neighboring teeth. For front teeth, also think about the temporary tooth, esthetics, and time. Then compare the long-term plan.
Educational information only. The appropriate replacement depends on your individual anatomy and clinical findings.