Crown and Bridge: When to Consider an Implant or a Bridge

When you lose a tooth, you often feel the impact right away. You may notice a change in your smile or feel discomfort when you chew. You might also worry about how the gap could affect your long-term oral health. These concerns make sense, and they give you a good reason to explore your options. 

At Complete Dental Arts in Newnan, Georgia,  Charley Cheney, DMD, and the team can restore your smile with a dental implant or a bridge, and both solutions offer strong, reliable results. You can choose the option that best fits your needs once you understand how each one works and what each one offers.

Why tooth replacement matters

A missing tooth does more than change the way your smile looks. It affects the way your mouth functions every day. Your remaining teeth may shift, and your bite may feel uneven. Food can get trapped in open spaces, increasing your risk of decay and gum problems. 

You can protect your oral health by promptly replacing a missing tooth. You also keep your smile strong and stable, which helps you maintain confidence in both your appearance and your comfort.

Dr. Cheney can explain how implants and bridges replace missing teeth, and your decision often depends on your goals, your timeline, and your overall health. You can feel informed and supported when you understand the benefits of both approaches.

When a dental implant makes sense

A dental implant works as a long-term solution because it replaces the entire tooth, including the root. Dr. Cheney places a small titanium post in the jawbone. The post bonds to the bone over time, creating a strong foundation for a custom crown. You end up with a replacement that feels stable, looks natural, and functions like a healthy tooth.

Many people choose implants because they want a durable option that preserves their jawbone. When a tooth goes missing, the bone in that area can weaken over time. An implant stimulates the bone and helps it stay strong. You can also clean around an implant easily since it stands alone and does not require support from neighboring teeth.

Dr. Cheney may recommend an implant if you have healthy gums, strong bone structure, and the desire for a long-term solution. Implants take time, though, because your mouth needs to heal between steps. If you want a fast replacement, an implant may not match your timeline. If you prefer stability and longevity, an implant often becomes the ideal choice.

When a dental bridge works well

A dental bridge offers another effective way to replace a missing tooth. A bridge uses the surrounding teeth for support, and Dr. Cheney places crowns on those teeth to anchor the replacement tooth. The option fills the gap quickly and restores the ability to chew and speak comfortably. Many people appreciate how efficiently a bridge completes their smile.

A bridge can work well when you need a faster solution or when you prefer not to undergo implant surgery. You can expect a stable, natural-looking result that improves your bite and protects your oral health. You do need healthy teeth on both sides of the gap, as they support the bridge.

Dr. Cheney may recommend a bridge if your bone needs support, your schedule feels tight, or your oral health makes implant surgery less ideal. You still receive a dependable restoration that keeps your smile functional.

How to choose between an implant and a bridge

Dr. Cheney helps you make this decision by evaluating your oral health, your goals, and your lifestyle. You can think about what matters most to you. Call the office or schedule an online appointment today to ask about your options.