Dental implants and bridges are intended to take the place of missing teeth while crowns can act as a supportive cover for teeth that are damaged. Although a tooth is strong and just like bones, is formed with minerals, a tooth can be susceptible to decay because of the environment it exists in.
Accidents, medications, adverse health conditions and poor oral hygiene can cause severe damage to the teeth, resulting in broken teeth or total tooth loss. To prevent further complications or more lost teeth it is important to have immediate dental treatment to support the remaining good teeth.
Treatments include the use of crowns as a protective cover on damaged teeth or dental implants or bridges to fill the hole due to missing teeth. Without professional treatment there is a risk for infection, decay or disease that can affect the remaining teeth. If the gums are damaged then periodontal disease and other issues can develop such as, heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease.
Modern Dentistry: Dental Implants, Dental Crowns, and Dental Bridges for Your Best Smile
A dental implant is a device placed into the jaw as an artificial root to support the placement of a reproduced tooth. This can improve a patient’s ability to speak, chew and eat and enhance their smile. An implant replaces the entire structure of the tooth from the root to the crown. Implants support the health of the bone to prevent bone loss as well as support the essential bite strength of the jawbone.
Dental crowns are artificial coverings that fit over a damaged tooth to prevent tooth loss. A crown can be constructed from porcelain, silver, gold or other durable materials. This form of treatment has the crown placed on the visible portion of the tooth, not within the gums.
Dental bridges are artificial coverings to replace a missing tooth by covering the teeth adjacent to the space with crowns that are joined together. It restores function and chewing while also covering the damaged teeth to prevent tooth loss.
A Comparison Between Dental Implants, Crowns and Bridges
Dental implants and crowns are safe and effective dental treatments for damaged or missing teeth. With a common goal, both options have various advantages and disadvantages depending on a number of factors.
Procedure
In general, dentists perform dental implants, crowns and bridges over a course of time. The length of the treatment depends on the condition of the patient’s oral health, they particular need or dental solution required, the number of teeth to be treated and the outcomes of each step along the way. It is imperative that a patient follows all care instructions from the dentist to ensure the treatment is successful with pain management.
Dental implants can take several months to complete as the targeted area sees the remaining tooth removed before the implant is screwed into place through an incision. The gums are secured over the implant to set over a period of months. Over a number of appointments, scans of the mouth will be taken for a prosthetic tooth to be constructed and placed. Some of these steps may be done in conjunction with a specialist.
A dental crown takes less time, but the treatment is done over two separate appointments. The damaged tooth is shaped, and an impression is obtained for a custom fit of the crown while a temporary crown is placed over the tooth for security. At the next appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the custom-made piece is properly fitted with dental cement. It is the same procedure for the placement of a bridge however multiple teeth will be involved.
For dental bridges, the patient has the adjacent teeth to the gap shaped so that the bridge appliance will fit. The abutment teeth are filed before a model impression is made. The model is then sent to a dental lab for a prosthetic to be created. Once the prosthetic is ready, the patient will return to the dental clinic for a fitting of the dental bridge.
Appearance
Dental services are intended to maintain good oral and physical health but also to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. With dental implants, crowns, and bridges there is little difference in the look of the artificial tooth in comparison with the healthy teeth.
Durability
Most dental implants are constructed with titanium metal and are secured within the jawbone, resulting in a long lasting treatment. While implants may last a lifetime for many, crowns and bridges can last up to 10 years with proper care. Repairs or replacements of crowns are done as needed.
Cost
The costs associated with tooth replacement can vary based on the type of treatment and location of the treatment. Dental implants are typically a more expensive solution with only part of the treatment being covered by some private insurance companies. Bridges may have a similar cost to implants if only one tooth is missing. Crowns are less expensive when replacing one damaged tooth. Various dental offices provide a payment plan for those with low income to ensure everyone has access to proper dental care.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Dental Implants, Crowns, and Bridges
| Factors to Consider | Dental Implants | Dental Crowns | Dental Bridges |
| Suitability | Not for those with chronic conditions or tobacco products users. | Appropriate to those with varying health statuses. | Appropriate to those with varying health statuses. |
| Aesthetic considerations | Retain natural-looking appearance longer. | Loses natural-looking appearance with age. | Loses natural-looking appearance with age. |
| Durability and longevity | More durable and longer lasting. | Replacement every 8-12 years. | Replacement every 8-12 years. |
| Cost and insurance coverage | High upfront costs that may not be covered by most insurances. | Affordable and often a percentage covered by insurance. | Affordable and often a percentage covered by insurance. |
| Health and functional impacts | Long recovery time and risk of surgical complications. | Non-invasive with quick recovery time. | Non-invasive with quick recovery time. |
| Dental health and individual needs | Preserve health of adjacent teeth. | Extends lifespan of a damaged tooth. | Restores enunciation and improves chewing ability. |
| Goals | Preserves tissue and bone of face and jawline. | Restores a damaged tooth. | Fill gap created by missing teeth. |
| Importance of professional evaluation | Consultation provides guidance to effective dental plan. | Consultation provides guidance to effective dental plan. | Consultation provides guidance to effective dental plan. |
Scenarios When Each Option Bight Be the Best Choice
Not sure whether you need a dental implant, crown, or bridge? Consider these possible scenarios.
- Single missing tooth: As a solution for a single missing tooth, a dental implant serves as a long term fix and a dental bridge appliance may be used for a shorter-term solution.
- Multiple missing teeth: When there are two or more teeth missing and the adjacent natural teeth are in good health, a dental bridge may be used. A dental implant can also be used.
- Aesthetic enhancements: For aesthetic reasons, crowns may be used as a damaged teeth solutions where there is a remaining portion of the tooth. A dental bridge is used in cases where there is no tooth.
Visit Our Dental Clinic for Cosmetic Dental Services in Etobicoke
Choose Princeview Dental Group as your “dentist near me” if you need regularly scheduled hygiene and dental treatments as well as cosmetic dental services. Our friendly and non-judgmental environment offers a calming choice for all tooth replacement services such as crowns and dental implants.
As a family dental practice, we offer a full range of dental treatments in our recently renovated dental operatories now located under The Crooked Cue Pub and Restaurant at 3052 Bloor Street West just west of Royal York Road. Call us today at (416) 231-4562 to book a consultation.
