We often get asked by our patients what is the difference between a dental crown and a dental implant?
Our teeth are constantly exposed to temperatures that range from freezing to near boiling, they live in an environment that is filled with bacteria, plaque, and acid, and are asked to sustain forces of 120+ pounds per square inch! And if that wasn’t enough, our teeth are expected to keep on working for us throughout our lifetime. Now that is a big ask!
It’s only natural that your teeth might encounter stains, cavities, gum disease or chips and even breaks in our lifetime. Modern dentistry has gone through major advancements in the last 40 years, making sure that your teeth stay healthy, strong, sound, and last you a lifetime.
Some of those advancements focus specifically on dental crown technology, which can save weak, or compromised teeth, and dental implant technology, which replaces missing teeth.
If one, or several of your teeth have been affected by trauma or decay, a crown or an implant can be a great solution. While a dental crown is a cap that replaces the top part of the tooth, a dental implant is an artificial tooth that replaces your entire tooth.
Your dentist is always the best place to start when you want to learn which one is better for your situation, and it never hurts to understand more about dental procedures.
What is a Dental Crown?
When are Dental Crowns Used?
Dental crowns are used for a variety of purposes:
What are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Depending on your situation, your dentist may discuss different types of dental crowns:
Additional Dental Procedures Needed for a Dental Crown?
If you have major tooth decay or damage, you may require additional dental procedures before you are fitted for a dental crown:
What is a Dental Implant?
When Are Dental Implants Used?
In general, a dental implant may be the right choice for you if you:
What are Dental Implants Made of?
Additional Dental Procedures Needed for a Dental Implant?
A dental implant requires surgery and is usually performed in stages, as the process includes multiple steps with healing time between the procedures:
In conclusion, dental crowns are used for cosmetic reasons, or to strengthen a tooth after a root canal, and implants are used when the whole tooth must be removed as a result of injury, decay, or trauma.
These rules are not strictly set in stone, and the best option is to meet with your dentist and discuss which option might be best for you and your situation.