Bridge vs. Crown vs. Implant – Which is Right?

If you have missing or broken teeth, there are three ways to address the problem: crowns, bridges, and implants. Here’s a closer look at each of these treatment options so you can decide the right one for your needs.

How Do Crowns Help?

Crowns are little caps that sit on top of the tooth. They’re permanently attached to the tooth and do not require the tooth to be pulled. In fact, they require a strong root to stay in place.

Crowns work well for discolored, cracked, and misshapen teeth. They can also be used to cover teeth after serious decay is removed by your dentist in Grand Island, NE. However, a crown, at least by itself, cannot replace a missing tooth.

How Do Bridges Help?

Bridges have two crowns that support one (or more) artificial teeth. The crowns sit on existing teeth, and the artificial teeth fill in gaps where teeth are missing.

Bridges work well if you are missing one or two teeth and don’t want to have oral surgery. They’re semi-permanent and function very similarly to regular teeth, and they can be a great option to take care of your missing teeth and restore the look and function of your mouth.

Bridges are also an option for patients who are not candidates for implants. This is often the case when there isn’t sufficient bone tissue to support an implant.

How Do Implants Help?

If you have a missing tooth and have strong jawbone tissue, then an implant is the gold standard to replace the tooth. This option involves placing a metal post in the jawbone. The bone grows around the post, anchoring it in place. Once stable, the post gets topped with a fake tooth, and you will have full use of that tooth.

To have an implant, you must not have bone loss or weak bones. If you are a good candidate, it’s the most effective way to deal with your lost tooth. It does, however, require oral surgery.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re considering one of these three treatments, the right choice will depend on your specific oral health history and your goals. A visit to Gentle Dental Care to talk to a dentist in Grand Island, NE, is the key to figuring out your best option. We will provide you with accurate, personalized advice to help you restore your teeth. Schedule an appointment today!