Installing a dental implant, crown or bridge is a common procedure for replacing one or more missing teeth. In the world of dentistry and maxillofacial surgery, each of these solutions has its own advantages and is more or less suited to specific situations. A specialist can determine which procedure is appropriate, depending on whether a patient needs to replace missing teeth or restore damaged dentition.
Keep reading to learn about the differences between each of these dental procedures, what they are used for, and the medical procedure involved in their installation.
Dental implants replace the natural root
A dental implant is a titanium rod that replaces the natural root of the tooth. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will insert the implant into the jawbone where it provides strong, permanent support for a crown or dental bridge. Of the three procedures, this is the only intervention that requires surgery. For more information, our surgeons have written a comprehensive article on what is a dental implant.
Installing a dental implant is a more invasive procedure than installing a crown or bridge. The treatment lasts several months and involves more complex surgery, but the benefits of dental implants can be well worth the effort.
During healing, the bone and implant fuse together to create a stable, durable foundation for a crown or bridge.
A dental implant is usually recommended when both the tooth and its root have to be removed. It is a safe and long-lasting solution that has no impact on the surrounding teeth, unlike a bridge.
Lifespan of a dental implant
In general, an implant will last a lifetime, unlike a crown or bridge.
Of course, the service life of your dental implant will be influenced by your oral hygiene. It’s important to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist and brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Note that while the implant itself can last a lifetime, the dental crown fitted to it will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
Cost of a dental implant
The cost of a dental implant can vary considerably from patient to patient depending on the complexity of the operation. If bone grafts or sinus lifts are required, the procedure will be more expensive.
To give you an idea of the approximate cost of installing an implant, according to studies carried out in Montreal in 2023, the average price ranged from $2,500 to $5,000 per implant.
Crowns restore damaged teeth
Crowns are dental prostheses used to restore damaged or decayed teeth so that they look and perform exactly like healthy teeth. A crown is a custom, hollow, artificial tooth. Usually made of composite or porcelain, a crown completely covers a damaged tooth or dental implant like a cap, protecting it against further damage.
Dental crowns are often used to treat cavities, repair broken teeth or replace old fillings. They are attached to dental implants to fill the gap left by a missing tooth.
Lifespan of a dental crown
The lifespan of a dental crown varies from 10 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the prosthesis chosen and your dental hygiene.
These days, you can choose from a wide range of materials for your crown, including metal-ceramic, ceramic or resin.
Cost of a dental crown
Crowns usually cost between $1,500 and $2,000 each. The price will vary according to the position of the tooth to be repaired and the type of material used.
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth
A bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. Most bridges consist of an artificial tooth placed between two crowns to fill the entire empty space.
A bridge is held in place by the healthy teeth on either side of the tooth-free area. As with the crown, it is custom-made to ensure the highest level of comfort, function and appearance.
If the adjacent teeth are too damaged or even missing, a bridge can be installed on dental implants.
Lifespan of a dental bridge
A dental bridge lasts roughly 10 years, depending on your level of dental hygiene. It’s important to floss well, especially around the tooth in the center of the bridge.
Cost of a dental bridge
The price of a dental bridge is influenced by the number of teeth to be replaced, the difficulty of the operation and the quality of the chosen materials.
The cost of installing a bridge can vary from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Dental implants, crowns and bridges: which is better?
The answer to this question depends entirely on the type of dental issue being treated. An implant is often used when a tooth is missing and the adjacent teeth are in good condition.
Implants are also a good choice if your teeth cannot withstand the installation of a bridge or if the tooth to be restored is too damaged to support a crown. Implants offer the best results overall as the most functional, aesthetic and durable tooth replacement procedure.
| Treatment duration | Lifespan | Price | |
| Implant | More invasive surgery and treatment that lasts several months | For life | Between $2500 and $5000 |
| Crown | 2 to 3 visits | 10 to 15 years | Between $1000 and $2000 |
| Bridge | 2 to 3 visits | Between 5 and 15 years | Between $700 and $1500 |
If you have any questions about dental implants, we’d love to hear from you. Our maxillofacial clinics in Montreal and Sainte-Catherine are ready to welcome you and support your dental well-being. We’re here to help you find solutions to your dental problems.
