What is the Difference Between Crowns and Dental Implants?
Our Milton dentist breaks down these two popular restorative treatments.
When it comes to restorative dentistry, both dental crowns and dental implants serve as highly successful and effective treatment options. But with that being said, the two procedures do have their defining differences - and one will always be a more appropriate course of action for a patient’s smile over the other.
To better understand the key differences between these two common restorative solutions, let’s explore dental crowns and implants separately:
About dental crowns
A dental crown is a cap placed over the tooth, designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural tooth enamel. Crowns restore strength while providing extra support to a patient’s damaged tooth, such as a tooth that has experienced extensive tooth decay, or a tooth that has just received restorative treatment such as a root canal procedure (RCT). They are custom-created to blend seamlessly with the rest of the natural teeth.
Aside from being used to complete a root canal procedure, a dental crown may be recommended by our dentist in other situations - such as to replace larger dental fillings or restorations when there is not an adequate amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, to assist in a dental bridge attachment, or to complete a dental implant procedure.
Moreover, dental crowns may also simply be used as a cosmetic solution for patients, as they are capable of masking certain flaws and imperfections of the natural tooth. There are a variety of different materials used to create dental crowns today, with each material having their own unique pros and cons - including porcelain or ceramic crowns that provide the most aesthetic and natural-looking result. Metal and acrylic crowns are also an option.
Dental crowns last an average of 10-15 years, or can even last 20 or longer depending on patient care and the material used.
About dental implants
Dental implants, on the other hand, are not used to be capped over a tooth. These restorations replace a single tooth in its entirety, containing two main components: the implant itself, which is essentially an artificial root, and the implant crown, which is securely fixed onto the abutment attached to the implant. A dental implant both feels and functions almost identically to a natural tooth, making it a superior restorative option.
Unlike dental crowns, dental implants require a surgical procedure to be performed. The implant is surgically placed into the jaw, which then fuses with the bone over a series of months (a process referred to as “osseointegration”) to provide a sturdy restorative solution. Since the implant becomes a permanent part of the patient’s facial anatomy, it won’t ever slip or shift out of place.
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth in the most effective and dependable way possible compared to other dental procedures, and generally last for a very long time (even a lifetime) with proper daily care and maintenance.
Ready for your dental restoration at Southview Dental?
Whatever your oral health or restorative needs may be, our Dr. Loukas Papas has your smile covered!
Contact our team today to learn more about crowns and implants, or about any of our other restorative services. Or, if ever a dental emergency should strike and you’re in need of expert care, our team will be here to help.
Our dental team looks forward to hearing from you!
