When it comes to restoring damaged or missing teeth, there are a wide variety of options, and it’s important to know which one is right for your individual needs and situation. At Advanced Dental Implant Center, we aim to provide you with all the information you need to make confident decisions about your dental health, and that starts with understanding the options available to you.
Because dental implants and crowns can be used in similar situations and have some aspects in common, many patients are unsure of the difference between the two and, as a result, undecided about what the best solution is for them.
Dental crowns are customized caps that are placed over damaged or deteriorated teeth, serving to restore their functionality and aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically embedded into the jawbone, providing a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth.
While deciding between the two depends on an assessment of your dental profile and needs, we’ll clarify the main differences between dental implants and crowns here to help guide your decision.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist of three parts:
- An implant fixture reaches down into the jawbone to secure the restoration.
- An abutment, which screws into the implant fixture and serves as an attachment surface for the visible restoration.
- A crown or bridge is custom-made to mimic the natural appearance and function of your natural teeth.
Because the implant fixtures are made of biocompatible materials, over time, they fuse with the surrounding jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. This not only provides a solid anchor for the restoration but can also help to support jawbone health.
Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant process starts with a thorough evaluation of the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Based on this, your specialist will draw up a treatment plan and design your custom implants.
The implant fixtures are inserted in the jawbone in a surgical procedure. Traditionally, patients would have to wait until after osseointegration for attachment of the abutments and final restorations.
At Advanced Dental Implant Center, we specialize in same-day restorations. This means that the implant fixtures, abutments, and a temporary restoration are all fitted in the same procedure, allowing you to leave the appointment with a fully functional tooth or teeth. The final restoration is designed and fitted once your mouth has had time to adjust to the implants, after about 3-6 months.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Highly natural appearance, feel, and function
- Long-lasting
- Preservation of bone structure
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that encase a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its appearance, strength, and functionality. Crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, crowns mimic the natural look of teeth while providing protection and support. They are used when most of the natural tooth is still intact.
Dental Crown Procedure
As with a dental implant, the procedure for a dental crown starts with an examination by your dental specialist to assess the affected tooth and your general oral health. They will take x-rays to make sure that the root and core of the tooth are in suitable condition for a crown.
The tooth will be cleaned and prepared, usually by filing down the damaged area, and a mold will be taken for the crown. In the past, patients would sometimes have to wait up to two weeks for the crown to be manufactured, but these days, it is usually made and fitted on the same day. Once ready, the crown is cemented to the prepared tooth.
If the tooth’s root or core is damaged, your dentist may suggest root canal therapy or a root canal and post. These can seem similar to the end result of a dental implant, but the process involved is very different.
Dental Implant vs. Root Canal and Crown
The root canal procedure involves removing the inner pulp of the tooth and cleaning out all the infections before filling it back up to prevent decay. A crown is placed over the filled root for aesthetic reasons and to protect the root canal. With a dental implant on the other hand, the entire tooth, including the root, is absent or removed, and the implant fixture is surgically inserted into the jaw to mimic the function of the natural root.
Dental Implant vs. Post and Crown
A post and crown is a variation of a root canal and crown when the tooth’s structure is more severely compromised. A small post is inserted into the cleaned root canal before it is filled to provide more support for the crown above. These are not to be confused with dental implant fixtures. An implant fixture replaces the tooth’s natural root, while a root canal post only reinforces it.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Restore function and appearance
- Retain and protect the natural tooth
- Cost-effective
- Relatively simple and quick procedure
Differences Between Dental Crowns and Dental Implants
While crowns are designed to salvage and fortify existing teeth, implants are a comprehensive solution for replacing missing teeth from the root up. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key differences between these two types of restoration.
| Dental Crown | Dental Implant | |
| Application and suitability | Restore partially damaged teeth. It requires the majority of the tooth structure to be intact. | Replace damaged or missing teeth. Requires sufficient bone for the implant. |
| Appearance and Function | Preserves natural tooth | Closely resembles natural tooth |
| Durability | 10 – 15 years | 20 years – lifelong |
| Cost (Single Tooth) | Crown only: $1000 – $3000 | Implant fixture, abutment, and crown: $3000 – $6000 |
| Procedure | Tooth filed in preparation, crown cemented on | Surgical implantation in the jaw, crown attached via abutment |
| Recovery | Usually, less than a week of recovery | 1-2 weeks recovery from surgery, 3-6 months for osseointegration |
| Additional Oral Health Benefits | Retention of natural tooth | Preservation of jawbone |
| Maintenance and Care | Regular dental hygiene (implant fixture not susceptible to decay) | Extra care around the crown (infection can still penetrate natural teeth) |
Dental Implant vs Dental Crown: How to Choose
Now that you have a better idea of dental crowns and implants and their uses, you can consider how each might be suited to your situation. We recommend booking a cost-free consultation with us at Advanced Dental Implant Center for advice on the most up-to-date methods for restoring your oral health and smile.
Some of the factors we’ll be keeping in mind when guiding your decision are:
- Goals: Are you experiencing physical discomfort related to damaged teeth? Are you self-conscious about your smile? Do you need to reduce the risk of future bone loss?
- Oral Health: Is there significant damage to one or more of your teeth or just partial? What is your bone availability like? Do you have any medical limitations that make surgery problematic?
- Budget: What are your budget limitations? What percentage of the procedure is covered by your insurance? Are there financial services available for the procedure?
- Preferences: Your lifestyle, occupation, or personal preference may determine which type of restoration suits you best.
Consulting with an experienced dental specialist will help you gain clarity and confidence in choosing the most suitable approach for your individual dental needs.
Personalized Advice
At Advanced Dental Implant Center, your initial consultation is with a board-certified dental specialist who will be able to answer any more questions you may have regarding dental implants vs dental crowns, taking into account your unique dental profile and needs. Your assessment and scan are carried out at the clinic, allowing us to deliver state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging results promptly and at no cost to you.
Take the next step by booking a consultation today. Let us guide you to a brighter smile and strong teeth.
FAQ
Is it better to get a crown or implant?
If the affected tooth is still in relatively good condition, a crown can provide a simple, cost-effective solution to restore its appearance and function. If the tooth or root is not salvageable, a dental implant is a lasting solution that replicates the appearance and function of the natural tooth.
What is the downside of dental implants?
Dental implants generally involve a higher initial investment than dental crowns and require minor oral surgery. However, the durability and long-term benefits of implants outweigh these drawbacks in many cases.
How long do teeth implants last for?
Dental implants are designed to last at least 20 years and, with good care, can last a lifetime.
Can you get a crown without an implant?
Yes, as long as enough structure remains in the affected tooth, a crown can be supported either by the natural root or by an implant. Your dental specialist will assess the condition of the tooth and root to advise what treatments are possible.
