Dental Implant vs. Crown: What's Right For Me?

Thanks to modern dentistry, replacing missing teeth can be done in a variety of different ways. No longer do people have to rely on full arch dentures to restore the look and full function of their smile. However, with so many choices available, it can be confusing for patients to understand which procedure will provide them with the best possible results.

In this short post, we will be taking a closer look at two very popular restorative procedures: dental implants and dental crowns. Take a look to discover which one is more beneficial to you!

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a type of dental prosthetic custom made to replace a missing crown, and not necessarily the entire tooth. In other words, in most cases, a dental crown will simply go over a person’s natural tooth in order to strengthen its function and also restore the appearance of the teeth.

Dental crowns are usually recommended when the patient has some damage to the crown of the tooth, but the root is generally healthy, so the tooth does not need to be extracted. The dentist will shave the natural crown and take a mold of the area, after which a custom crown is created in a lab-based on the patient’s specifications (such as shape, size, and tooth color). Once completed, the crown is cemented on top of the tooth.

What Are Dental Implants?‍

Dental implants are procedures designed to replace the entire tooth, including the root. It consists of three components: the metal implant that gets fixed into the jaw, the abutment, and the dental crown, which is the visible part of the implant.

Dental crowns are recommended when a patient either has lost a tooth entirely, or the tooth needs to be extracted due to damage. Like with dental crowns, dental implants are custom-made to fit the patient’s specific requirements.

While getting a dental crown can be done in just a few visits, dental implants need a long healing timeline. It can take as long as 6 months for the procedure to be completed.

Which One Is for You?

Both dental crowns and dental implants are great ways for a person to restore their smile. They are permanent procedures, durable, and provide the patient with a comfortable solution to many dental problems.

Deciding which one you need will generally depend on:

• The current state of your tooth (if it needs to be extracted or not)
• Your long-term dental health needs

As a result, a dentist will help you decide which one is best for you after an initial consultation, to get a better sense of your dental health needs.‍

Stop by Fox Point Dental Studio

Interested in dental crowns or implants? Fox Point Dental Studio can help!‍

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Major or Dr. Zellmer to find out which procedure is right for you.