So, you’ve been looking for a dentist near you that offers dental crowns and Implant services and has a good track record. But before you do that, it is essential to understand the difference between crowns and implants. While they are generally confused to be the same, they have their own distinctive features and differences in what they’re used to treating.
If your teeth have been affected by decay or trauma, your dentist in south Edmonton may have suggested dental implants or crowns. Here, we are going to discuss their key differences and similarities so you can figure out what works best for you.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is surgically placed into the jawbone to support a dental prosthesis, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. It is used to replace one or more missing teeth and is a more permanent solution than dentures or bridges.
They are generally advised over crowns if the patient can afford them. They do not damage adjacent teeth and they won’t cause infection in your gum tissue either. The implant screws are made of titanium that are attached in the jaw and used to keep the artificial tooth in place.
Implants act, look and feel just like natural teeth and, once they’re installed, it’s quite difficult to distinguish between the two.
While they are convenient, the process to get them is more intricate and invasive. Instead of ‘sitting’ on top of the teeth, implants are fixed into the jawbone, making an irreversible change. It is also a lengthy procedure that may require several visits to the dentist over a period of several weeks.
Pros
- Preserve the existing teeth.
- Help with chips or discolorations.
- Do not damage the adjacent teeth.
- Provide a long-term solution, generally lasting around 5 to 15 years.
- Feel, look and act just like natural teeth.
Cons
- They can be more expensive than crowns.
- The procedure is invasive and irreversible.
- Requires repetitive visits to the dentist.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are used in the situation when the patient does not want to get their entire tooth removed. It is majorly used to treat small chips. It is mainly for aesthetic reasons as the crown merely sits on the top of the tooth and has nothing to do with the root.
They are often placed by being stuck to the remaining tooth. Since they are less intricate than implants, the cost of dental crowns is also significantly cheaper.
If you’re suffering from cavities, you should be a little concerned about getting crowns as the surrounding space of a crown can get infected as well.
Pros
- Cheaper in cost as compared to implants.
- The procedure is less invasive.
- Provide support for teeth damaged by decay.
- Can be used to hold a broken tooth in place.
- Used after root canal treatments as protective gear.
- They stop further decay.
- They are more popular among patients as they get to keep the tooth.
Cons
- Teeth are usually filed before the process.
- Patients often complain of extreme sensitivity after the procedure.
- Dental cement that is used to hold the tooth into place can wash away after time.
While both dental crowns and implants are often confused with each other, they have distinct features, benefits and side effects. When deciding, one should consider their economic situation, and personal preferences and consult with their doctor thoroughly.
At Whitemud, we specialize in dental implants and crowns. Having more than 20 years of diversified experience under our belt, we are proud to be able to help you with all your dental needs in Edmonton
