Crown, bridge or implant – what are the options?
A damaged or missing tooth may sometimes need to be rebuilt or replaced. The suitable option depends on factors such as the surrounding teeth, the jawbone and your preferences. Not every missing tooth needs to be replaced.
A crown on a tooth that can be kept
A crown covers most of your own tooth and may be an option when a regular filling is not enough. The dentist shapes the tooth before fixing the crown in place. Crowns can be made from different materials.
A bridge to replace one or more teeth
A dental bridge is fixed in the mouth. A conventional tooth-supported bridge is attached to neighbouring teeth that need to be shaped. In some cases, a bridge can be bonded in place with little or no shaping of the teeth. Bridges can also be attached to implants.
Implants to support new teeth
An implant acts as an artificial tooth root in the jawbone. A crown or bridge is attached to it. Treatment takes place in several stages and often takes several months. An examination shows whether implants are suitable and what timescale is realistic.
Removable dentures
A full or partial denture is another option. Ask the dentist to explain how the options differ in care, treatment time and cost. Also ask for a written cost estimate before deciding.