Crown vs Filling: What's the Difference?
A filling repairs a smaller area of damage.
A crown covers and protects the entire tooth when there isn't enough healthy structure remaining to support a filling.
In many cases, placing a crown can help prevent a weakened tooth from breaking and requiring more extensive treatment later.
Crown vs Implant
Patients often ask whether a damaged tooth should receive a crown or be removed and replaced with an implant.
Whenever possible, preserving a healthy natural tooth is usually preferred.
However, if a tooth is no longer predictable to save, an implant may become the better long-term option.
The best choice depends on the condition of the tooth, surrounding bone, and your overall oral health.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using neighboring teeth or implants for support.
Bridges can:
- Restore chewing function
- Improve speech
- Prevent teeth from shifting
- Improve smile aesthetics
For some patients, a bridge can be an excellent alternative to implants.