Have you ever asked people whether they enjoyed going to the dentist?
You probably didn’t get many favorable answers! Many people hate going to the dentist when they suspect something is wrong with their teeth. Patients worry that their dentist will give them bad news once they sit in the chair.
Sometimes, this suspicion is correct. It’s easy to damage a tooth. Maybe you chipped a tooth biting into candy or lost a tooth in an accident.
Cases like these often present a choice to dental patients. They must choose between a dental implant vs. crown.
Both of these solutions can repair issues with your teeth. However, the two treatments fix different problems with your dental health.
If you must choose between these two, don’t worry! We’ll explain the differences between a dental implant and a dental crown below. Let’s jump right in!
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown acts as a hat on a bad hair day. Dentists fix these porcelain devices into a tooth that’s become damaged or suffered decay. This way, the crown can protect the tooth from further damage.
A dental crown can benefit you in several ways. First, a chipped or damaged tooth often shows. Whether you’re smiling for photographs or giving a company presentation, people often notice the missing portion of your tooth.
Installing a dental crown covers this gap and makes you look more presentable. However, it also serves a much more practical purpose.
Tooth decay and damage often cause pain for the affected tooth. It’s common for people to experience a throbbing pain throughout the day or sharp pain when chewing.
The crown fixes this problem. Once a dentist installs the crown, it fits tightly in place and covers the damaged tooth. This way, it seals the space and prevents bacteria from agitating the tooth.
You may also need a dental crown to fix poorly-shaped or discolored teeth. These crowns can also add a bridge to the teeth beside them.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental crowns are a tool for dentists to repair damage to your natural tooth. Dental implants, however, function as a replacement for your tooth. The implant uses a metal post that takes the place of your original tooth’s roots.
This post looks and functions like a standard screw. The dentist then implants this screw-like post into your jaw.
If this sounds horrifying, don’t worry! You won’t have a screw head sticking out from your gum line.
Instead, the dentist will wait a sufficient time for your gum area to heal after inserting the implant. Then, they’ll attach an abutment to the top of your implant. From there, the dentist fixes a crown to the abutment.
This crown, which looks like a standard tooth, is the part of your tooth replacement that people can see. So, when you smile, it will look like you have a full row of teeth again!
There are several dental implant benefits to consider. Their unique advantage is that they provide a way to replace your tooth while preserving your jawline’s integrity. The tooth can also stimulate bone growth that other replacements like dentures cannot.
Caring for Dental Implant vs. Crown
Crowns and dental implants require similar kinds of care to remain functional. Much of this care is identical to what you’d give your natural teeth.
First, take extra care to brush and floss your crown or implant. Although bridges and dentures can be removed and cleaned, crowns and implants don’t have this option. They’ll remain in your mouth for years to come.
It also helps to avoid hard candy, nuts, or other snacks that require a strong bite. After all, your new teeth can become damaged, just like your natural teeth.
Avoiding chewy candies and snacks, such as chewing gum or caramel, also helps preserve your teeth. Additionally, make sure you schedule regular check-ins with your dentist to monitor your implant/crown health. The last thing you want is for damage to creep into your teeth.
Which Do You Need?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for dental care issues like dental crowns and implants. Several factors could affect which of these additions you need.
For example, each operation has different costs. A dental implant is an expensive, invasive procedure that takes several months to complete. However, you can get a crown within one or two visits to the dentist.
Getting a crown is almost always cheaper than receiving a dental implant. Similarly, many insurance providers cover the cost of a crown. Fewer providers cover dental implant procedures.
Another factor to consider is whether you can keep your original tooth. Generally, it’s best to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible. Your natural teeth best protect your gums and support your jawline.
You may wonder if it’s possible to preserve some of your damaged teeth. However, dentists can often salvage damaged or decayed teeth through a root canal procedure. This operation repairs the most severe damage that decay does to your teeth.
Once the dentist salvages your tooth roots, you can receive a dental crown to prevent further damage. This way, you can save time with the operation and preserve your natural tooth.
However, a dental implant can cost less in the long run. Once you receive a dental implant, it functions as a permanent tooth. A crown, however, may need replacing every 10-15 years.
Consult Your Dentist About Dental Implant vs. Crown
Choosing between a dental implant vs. crown can be a challenge if you don’t know their differences. Fortunately, you now know the critical distinctions between these two assets.
So, consult your dentist about which of these two is best for you. Before long, you’ll have a healthy, attractive smile again!
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