Dental Crown vs. Dental Implant: Which is Better for Me?
When you have a chipped tooth, a cracked molar, or a missing tooth, it’s understandable to be concerned about the way you smile. Fortunately, modern-day dentistry has a lot of options to choose from when you are on the hunt for a dental solution that can restore your smile and improve your oral health. Dental implants and dental crowns are just two of the most sought-after treatments today.
However, choosing the right one can be overwhelming—and there’s no doubt both options have their unique benefits and are suited for different dental issues. So, which one is better for you?
Let’s see what our professionals at Whitehorse Dental say to understand the differences between a dental implant versus a dental crown.
Dental Crowns: Restoring and Protecting Your Tooth
Before we dive into how the two procedures differ, let’s get to know each one first.
A dental crown is famous for its ability to protect the tooth from getting more damaged. It is also known as a cap, and these are custom-made to fit over your damaged and weakened tooth. Think of it as a helmet that shields your tooth from further damage and helps restore your tooth’s ability to chew well and look great.
When are Dental Crowns Recommended?
Dental crowns as dental treatments are actually versatile and can address various concerns. Typically, dentists will recommend dental crowns to you if you have:
Severely Cracked or Fractured Teeth
When you have a crack or fracture on your tooth’s structure, a crown is a good option to bring your tooth back to strength. It provides the necessary reinforcement to prevent further breakage and potential tooth loss.
Large Cavities
If you have a cavity that is too extensive for a traditional filling, a crown might be recommended to you by your dentist. This offers a more durable and long-lasting solution to restore the tooth’s shape and functionality.
Discoloured or Misshapen Teeth
Since crowns are caps that can be put on top of your teeth, they can be used to conceal cosmetic flaws like severe discolouration, misshapen teeth, or teeth that are uneven in size.
Root Canal Treatment
After root canal therapy, the inside of the tooth is now hollow as the pulp was removed during the treatment. This makes the tooth weak and at risk of breaking. The dentist will often recommend a crown to be placed after root canal treatment to bring the tooth back to full strength. Without a crown, root canal treated teeth are 5 times more at risk of breakage and even extraction. The crown is like a helmet that protects the tooth
Dental Bridges
Crowns can also serve as anchors for dental bridges, especially when there are existing teeth on each side of the missing tooth. They support the bridge structure and restore function in areas with missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Here are some of the benefits of dental crowns that you should know:
- Natural Appearance: Dental crowns are great options to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth.
- Durability: Crowns are made from strong materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, which can last them many years with proper care.
- Functionality: Crowns restore the functionality of your teeth, which allows you to chew and speak comfortably.
Dental Implants: Replacing Missing Teeth Like Natural Roots
A dental implant is an artificial tooth designed to be surgically placed into the jawbone. They are usually made from biocompatible titanium that provides a strong foundation to replace a missing tooth. Then, a crown is attached to the implant to create a complete and functional replica of the tooth.
When are Dental Implants Recommended?
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can benefit well from a dental implant. These are excellent dental treatments for scenarios like:
- Single Missing Tooth: An implant with a custom-made crown replaces a single missing tooth seamlessly, restoring functionality and aesthetics.
- Multiple Missing Teeth: Implants can also be used to strategically support a bridge of crowns, which restores a row of missing teeth and rebuilds its functionality.
- Full Arch of Missing Teeth: Implant-supported dentures provide a stable and comfortable solution for replacing all your teeth in an arch.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Longevity: Dental implants offer a long-term solution that often lasts a lifetime with proper care.
- Stability: Implants provide a stable and secure foundation for teeth replacement that can prevent movement or slipping.
- Bone Preservation: Implants also help maintain bone density and facial structure. When you don’t act on a missing tooth over time, your facial structure will be compromised, and your jawbone will shift. Dental implants can prevent that from happening.
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth that show a natural appearance and comfortable fit.
Dental Crown vs. Dental Implant
When deciding between a dental implant vs a crown, you should take into consideration some factors that should be considered:
- Condition of the Tooth
- Salvageable Tooth: If your tooth is still in good condition and can be saved, it would be good to get a dental crown. Crowns protect and restore the existing tooth structure.
- Missing Tooth: If there has been a gap caused by a missing tooth, or if the tooth is too damaged to save, a dental implant is the better choice. Implants replace the entire tooth structure, including the root.
- Oral Health:
- Good Oral Health: For a dental implant to be successful, the patient must have good oral health, including sufficient jawbone density to support the implant.
- Response to Environment: Teeth with well done crowns generally require less maintenance than implants. Implants require the environment to be healthy and infection free. If the mouth and jawbone that’s receiving the implant is very unhealthy, there is a much higher risk of issues such as infections in the dental implant. Natural teeth are generally more robust and forgiving.
- Long-Term Goals:
- Durability and Maintenance: Consider how long you want the restoration to last and the level of maintenance you are willing to commit to. Dental implants typically require more maintenance.
- Cost and Procedure:
- Dental Crowns: The procedure for dental crowns usually involves two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared, and a temporary crown is placed. The molds or scans gets sent to a laboratory which custom makes the specialized crown for your tooth. The permanent crown is fitted during the second visit. The costs of a dental crown may also vary depending on the material used and the complexity of the case.
- Dental Implants: The process for dental implants involves multiple stages, including surgical placement of the implant, a healing period, and the attachment of the replacement tooth. Implants generally cost more upfront but can be more cost-effective over time due to their longevity.
Know Your Options
Before you can decide on getting a dental implant or dental crown, getting to know the pros and cons of each one is the best way to keep you informed. Ultimately, the best choice between a dental crown and a dental implant depends on your unique dental situation and goals.
Get help with a consultation from a qualified dentist at Whitehorse Dental. Our experienced team will conduct a thorough examination, discuss your concerns, and recommend the most suitable treatment based on your individual needs. Book an appointment with us for a dental consultation or call us at (03) 8838 8820.
