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Prosthodontics: crowns, bridges, dentures and implants
These treatments repair damaged teeth or replace missing ones. Your dentist helps you choose.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. It does not replace a check by a dentist or doctor. If you are worried, contact a dental professional.
- Crown
- A cap made to fit over a damaged tooth. Used for a broken or weak tooth, or after root canal treatment. It usually takes 2 visits.
- Bridge
- A false tooth fixed to the teeth on each side of a gap. You cannot take it out.
- Denture
- False teeth that you can take out. Full dentures replace all top or bottom teeth. Partial dentures replace some.
- Implant
- A small titanium screw placed in the jawbone. It acts like a tooth root and can hold a crown, a bridge or a denture.
Why replace a missing tooth?
- To chew and speak more easily.
- To stop nearby teeth drifting into the gap.
- To feel more confident.
Looking after them
- Brush twice a day and clean around crowns, bridges and implants every day with interdental brushes.
- Clean dentures every day and take them out at night.
- Go to check-ups. Plaque around an implant can cause infection and loosen it.
When to see a dentist
- Gums around an implant are red, sore, swollen or bleed.
- A crown or bridge feels loose.
- Dentures rub, hurt or no longer fit.
Related: Older adults · All dental treatments
Sources
Paraphrased in plain words. Links checked and accessed 21 Oct 2026.
- Oral Health Foundation. “Crowns”. https://www.dentalhealth.org/crowns (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- Oral Health Foundation. “Bridges”. https://www.dentalhealth.org/bridges (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- Oral Health Foundation. “Dental implants”. https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-implants (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “Dentures (false teeth)”. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/dentures/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).