Dental Crown vs Implant - Which One Is Right for You?
Are you trying to decide between dental crowns and dental implants? While both procedures can restore a damaged or missing tooth, one may be more appropriate for you based on the amount of damage, whether there are missing teeth, and factors such as treatment time and cost.
Dental Crowns vs Implants In a Nutshell
The main difference between a dental crown and a dental implant is that crowns are caps that fit over a damaged or weakened tooth whereas a dental implant is a brand-new tooth that’s placed permanently into the jawbone.
In some cases—such as a single tooth with moderate decay or a missing tooth surrounded by healthy teeth—the choice of procedure will be obvious. In other cases, such as a series of moderately or severely damaged teeth, either of the two procedures can be used.
The Dental Crown Procedure
A dental crown procedure involves removing damage or decay from an existing tooth and placing a custom-fit cap over it. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. Crowns may be a suitable option for restoring natural teeth that cannot otherwise be rehabilitated by a filling, inlay, or onlay.
Indications for a Dental Crown
Whenever possible, a dentist’s main objective is to save and restore a patient’s natural tooth. Yet, sometimes a weakened or damaged tooth is unable to be restored with a filling. Moreover, if not treated efficiently, a damaged tooth can lead to considerable mouth and jawbone pain. With this in mind, dental crowns can be a good option for people looking to restore their teeth quickly and effectively, and without losing their natural tooth.
Advantages of Dental Crowns over Implants
Crowns can be used to replace a damaged tooth that can not be fixed with a filling.
Crowns can improve the appearance of an entire tooth.
Crowns are a nonsurgical procedure and a type of restorative dentistry that uses the patient’s natural teeth for support.
Dental crowns can offer protection for a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.
Porcelain crowns are a great option for individuals who are sensitive to allergens as they are considered to be "biocompatible."
The price of a dental crown will vary from dentist to dentist, but typically dental crowns are cheaper than dental implants.
Drawbacks of Dental Crowns Compared to Implants
Dental crowns carry a higher risk of infection and tooth decay than dental implants.
Dental crowns require a certain amount of healthy tooth structure in order to be installed.
Dental crowns may not be considered as aesthetically pleasing as dental implants, depending on the material used.
Porcelain crowns can be particularly fragile and may chip or break during forceful chewing.
Finally, dental crowns can only cover a single tooth, so if you have multiple teeth that need to be repaired, it can be costly to install multiple crowns.
The Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant is a replacement tooth that is surgically placed in the jawbone—often with a titanium post. Once the artificial root fuses with the jawbone, a crown is then placed on top to replace the lost tooth. Generally, dental implants are thought to be a better choice than crowns for restoring severely damaged teeth if you are able to afford them.
Indications for Dental Implants
Sometimes, a decayed tooth is unable to be saved by a filling or a crown. This occurs when bacteria and gum inflammation lead to an infection in the bone and soft tissue of the mouth. As a result, periodontal disease or gum disease can occur. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.
Advantages of Dental Implants over Crowns
Dental implants are more durable than crowns and offer a more long-term and permanent solution for missing teeth.
Dental implants can prevent bone loss.
Unlike dental crowns, dental implants do not pose a risk of tooth decay.
Dental implants are an excellent choice for people who are missing multiple teeth, as the upper or lower set of teeth can be replaced by all-on-four dental implants for complete oral rehabilitation.
Drawbacks of Dental Implants Compared to Crowns
Dental implants require surgery and tend to cost more than dental crowns.
Dental implants can take a while to heal post-op.
Some patients may not be eligible for dental implant surgery if they lack bone mass in their jaw. However, a bone graft can be used to prepare the jawbone for the implant.
Dental implant surgery is considered very safe. However, there is a very small risk that the surgery could cause an infection or nerve injuries (none of the patients at our Bakersfield, CA dental office have suffered nerve damage from implant surgery).
Both Dental Crowns and Implants Can Help You Achieve Better Oral Health
Choosing between dental crowns vs dental implants doesn’t have to be a pain in the jaw (pun intended). In fact, both dental crowns and dental implants have their own advantages and disadvantages and it depends on your unique dental situation—and your budget.
A key point to keep in mind when deciding between dental crowns and dental implants is whether you are looking for a short-term or long-term solution for tooth loss. It’s also a good idea to set up a dental consultation to assess your oral health and your jaw bone density.
After being evaluated by a dentist and talking through the options, you can make an informed choice as to whether a dental implant or crown is the most suitable option for you.