Restorative Dentistry · 6 min read
Crown, Bridge or Implant? Choosing the Right Restoration
Three trusted ways to repair or replace teeth, and how to choose between them.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ramin Khoshsar, DDS, DMD
If a tooth is cracked, heavily filled or missing, you have options. Understanding what each restoration does makes it much easier to choose.
When you need a crown
A crown covers and protects a weakened tooth. Common reasons include:
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A large, failing filling
- After root canal therapy
- Cosmetic reshaping of a discolored tooth
Bridges: replacing a tooth using neighbors
A bridge fills a gap with a false tooth anchored to crowns on the teeth on each side. It is fast and does not require surgery, but the supporting teeth must be reshaped, and the bone under the gap is not stimulated.
Implants: replacing the root
An implant replaces the missing root and supports its own crown, leaving neighboring teeth untouched. It is the most conservative long-term choice when you have enough bone.
Cost and insurance
Most PPO plans cover a portion of crowns and bridges, and many now cover implants. We provide a side-by-side estimate so you can compare lifetime value, not just today’s price.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person exam. Pricing ranges are estimates; your exact fee depends on your diagnosis.
