A missing tooth can severely impact your self-confidence and affect the function of your teeth, eventually harming your overall oral health. The three main restorative options to tackle the gaps left by missing teeth are crowns, bridges, and implants.
We offer several of these treatments here at Kiln Lane Dental, so why not find out which is best for you?
Why replacing a missing tooth is important
The gaps in your smile caused by missing teeth can actually have a long-lasting effect on the functioning of your teeth, your dental health, and the appearance of your arch.
When a tooth is missing, it can cause neighbouring teeth to shift, leading to issues such as:
- Misalignment
- Bite problems
- The formation of new gaps
- A shrinking jawbone – a lack of stimulation from missing tooth roots alters the appearance of your face over time.W
- A change to dental aesthetics – which can lead to a loss of confidence and the desire to hide your smile.
This is why it’s essential to replace the tooth as soon as possible, as filling the gap helps to maintain structure, confidence, and your long-term oral health.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap placed over an existing tooth, or as part of an implant or bridge. Crowns look and feel just like real teeth, and can be made from various materials, including ceramic and porcelain.
Dental crowns are quicker to fit and are much less invasive than other tooth replacement solutions, such as implants; however, they don’t prevent bone loss, and only work if you have enough healthy tooth left, meaning they can only fill the gap as part of a bridge or implant.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring crowns to neighbouring teeth with a false tooth in between to fill the gap. The teeth that will support the bridge need to be reshaped beforehand so that the crowns can slot over them.
Using dental bridges to replace missing teeth is a fairly quick treatment and costs less than implants, aesthetically restoring your smile and improving the function of your teeth.
But, bridges require the removal of enamel from potentially healthy teeth, and they don’t stop jawbone loss under the missing tooth, while dental implants do.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After surgery, during a process called osseointegration, the titanium fuses to your bone, forming a strong and sturdy bond. An abtument and crown is fitted after the healing process, where the natural tooth would usually be.
Implants preserve bone by stimulating the jawbonelike a normal root does, and it’s also the longest-lasting option that feels and looks very natural. However, implants do come at a high cost and require a longer healing period.
Dental implants vs crowns and bridges
| Crowns | Bridges | Implants | |
| Invasiveness | Less invasive – only one tooth needs shaping. | Fairly invasive – both neighbouring teeth need to be reshaped. | Invasive – involves dental surgery. |
| Treatment duration | 1-2 weeks – crowns can usually be fitted in one appointment. | 2-3 weeks – more prep is involved, and your new bridge needs to be made in a dental lab first. | 3-6 months – implant treatment is completed in stages, from the initial planning to when the final crown is fitted post-healing. |
| Bone preservation | No | No | Yes |
| Average lifespan | 10-15 years | 10-15 years | 20+ years (lifetime) |
| Average cost | £500-£1,300 (depending on the type) | £700-£5,700 (depending on its size and the materials used) | £2,400-£4,500 per implant |
| Suitability | Only suitable if there’s some remaining tooth to attach to. | A more affordable option for those desiring a quicker yet dependable fix. | The best choice for patients requiring a long-lasting, durable solution that supports bone health, too. However, they’re the most expensive solution. |
Which option is best for you?
To find out which tooth replacement treatment is most suitable for your oral needs and budget, it’s best to book a consultation at Kiln Lane Dental. We’ll assess your oral health, including the site of your missing tooth, the surrounding teeth, and the condition of your bone.
To get in touch, call us today on 01744 775822 or email our team at info@kilnlanedental.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you promptly.