Bridge vs Implant vs Crown in Mumbai: A Dentist’s Guide

Dental Bridge vs Implant vs Crown: Which is Right for You?

Here is a bit of a fun article talking over this topic, we hereby compare and contrast them, maintaining the context a bit light and using simple and easy language.

Firstly, let us understand the parts of a tooth.

Tooth: Tooth can be divided into the following parts.

• Crown: This is the part of the tooth above the gums, this is the part you see usually. The shape of the crown enables different functions of chewing.
• Gumline: This is where the gum and tooth meet.
• Root: The root functions as an anchor.

That keeps your teeth in place. It is embedded in the bone, and it holds the tooth to withstand the force of biting and chewing.

Crown:

A wreath, band, or circular ornament for the head(Webster’s Dictionary)

When do you require a crown on the tooth:

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that encircles the tooth on all sides. Dentists use crowns to restore weak and decayed teeth. A crown fits on a tooth like a snug hat. To ensure a proper fit, a dentist will need to remove a small amount of tooth material before bonding your new crown in place. Dental technicians make crowns from a variety of materials, including resin, metal, and porcelain.

Bridge:

A structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression or obstacle (Webster’s Dictionary)

Getting a bridge made to replace tooth:

As the definition of a bridge suggests, to place a bridge we have to take support from neighboring teeth. To gain support from the teeth, we have to prepare the. Teeth that need us to remove tooth material. So that can take up the artificial structure. Also, the missing tooth gets replaced.

Implant:

To insert in living tissue (as for growth, slow release, or formation of an organic union) (Webster’s Dictionary)

Implant to replace teeth:

The Implant consists of 3 parts, usually the crown, abutment, and fixture..!

Hereby, the crown replaces the actual tooth’s crown. The fixture replaces the root of the tooth. The abutment acts as a connecting unit between the fixture and the crown. The fixture integrates with the bone such that it merges itself with the bone, hence it is eternally fixed. So, after discussing what each term is

About Let’s Discuss Some FAQs.

• What Is Better, Implant or Crown?

Well Implant is done to replace a tooth that is missing, a crown is placed on top of a tooth that is already present, and we need to restore the form/function/aesthetic of the tooth.

• What Is Better, Implant or Bridge?

A Bridge mandates us to prepare the two neighboring teeth, which have a chance of weakening them and also causing sensitivity. Hence it is usually better to go for an implant.

• Can Implants Be Done for Everyone?

Usually, yes; however, implants cannot be done for everyone; we need to record a medical history of the patient, followed by a thorough assessment by recording x-rays, and examining intraorally. At times implants are not recommended when it lacks adequate bone to place an implant or proximity to any vital structures like nerves or maxillary sinus is noted.

• Can I Not Replace the Missing Tooth?

No, you absolutely should replace the missing tooth, in case an implant is not advised, you must get a bridge done. Or a fixed partial denture or a cast partial denture. Not replacing teeth can lead to complicated consequences.

• What Is the Average Life Span of Dental Work Done?

It depends on how well the patient maintains oral hygiene, the masticatory force exerted, the dietary habits of the patient, and the tendency to develop caries. And periodontal disease. However, dental treatment is intended in such a way, considering all these factors, that it shall last between 7-10 years. However, based on patient-specific factors, these are quite variable.

• How Much Pain Is the Patient Likely to Experience?

1)Crown:- If the crown is placed on a root canal-treated tooth, no pain is likely; just gums can be mildly painful at times; if the crown is placed on a non-root canal-treated tooth, patients might face sensitivity, but it is mostly for a short period and is manageable.

2)Bridge: similar to a crown, just we are dealing with more than one tooth.

3) Implant: while placing an implant, it is unlikely to face any pain as the procedure is done under anesthesia. However, mild post-operative pain and discomfort are common for a few days.

There are too many options for crowns, which one to go for? You have to consult with your dentist as to which crown is convenient in your case to achieve the best possible form, function, and life of the dental crown. Also, keep updated with our blog, as we will post on this soon.