Dental crowns and bridges are both fixed restorations, but they perform different jobs. A crown rebuilds a tooth that is still present. A bridge replaces a missing tooth.
How Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Different?
A crown covers the visible portion of a weakened or damaged tooth. Dentists may recommend one after a large filling, root canal treatment, fracture, or severe wear. By surrounding the remaining tooth structure, the crown helps distribute chewing forces and reduce the risk of further breakage.
A bridge spans an open space in the dental arch. In a traditional design, the replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to crowns placed on neighboring teeth. These abutment teeth carry additional biting force, so their roots, bone support, and periodontal health must be evaluated carefully.
The deciding factor is often whether the natural tooth can still be restored predictably. When enough healthy structure remains, a crown may preserve it. If the tooth is fractured below the gumline, severely decayed, or otherwise unrestorable, extraction and tooth replacement may need to be discussed.
Explore Dental Crowns and Bridges in Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Lee Schriftman and Dr. Javier Ambriz evaluate the tooth, surrounding tissues, and bite before recommending treatment. Schedule an appointment with The Philadelphia Dentist to learn whether a crown, bridge, or another restorative option is appropriate.