By Maylands Dental Centre 
Dental crowns and implants are common dental treatments that can be used to restore teeth that are damaged or missing. While these dental restorations serve the same purpose, there are some key differences between them.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at dental crowns and implants and discuss each treatment option’s advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re wondering which restoration option is suited for you, keep reading! We hope this information will help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
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What are Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment is an option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to trauma or tooth decay. It looks and functions like a natural tooth.
The dental implant consists of three parts: a titanium post (which is placed in the jawbone), a metal abutment (which is placed on top of the titanium post), and a prosthesis like a dental crown, bridge, or denture (which is placed over the abutment.)
Once placed in the jawbone, the dental implant acts as a new tooth root for the dental crown. Due to the strength and stability of dental implants, they are considered a good treatment option for people who have lost their teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are titanium posts placed in the jawbone through a surgical procedure. As the bone heals, it grows around the implant, anchoring it securely.
Once the implant is in place, an artificial tooth (called a crown) is attached to the metal post. The result is a natural-looking replacement tooth that blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Because tooth implants are securely anchored in place, they act like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, drink, and speak confidently.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred method of tooth replacement. They offer more benefits than other teeth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges.
Below are five of the main advantages of dental implants:
- Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Dental implants provide tooth replacements that mimic a natural tooth’s appearance. They allow you to laugh, smile, and talk without worrying that your teeth will shift or fall out. They also help prevent further bone loss by stimulating bone growth.
- Dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth. They can support dental bridges or dentures, making them more stable and comfortable to wear.
- Dental implants are easy to care for. There is no special care required for dental implants. You can brush and floss them just like your real teeth.
- Dental implants are long-lasting. With proper care, dental implants can last for decades. They do not need to be replaced as frequently as other tooth replacements like dentures and bridges.
- Dental implants have a high success rate. With proper care, dental implants can last for more than 20 years. This makes them a much more cost-effective solution in the long run than dental bridges or dentures.
Despite the many advantages of dental implants, it is still important to know the disadvantages before deciding whether or not to get them.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Here are some disadvantages of dental implants that patients should be aware of:
- They are a more expensive treatment option than other tooth replacement options, such as partial dentures or bridges.
- Dental implant surgery is an invasive procedure and requires a period of healing and recovery time.
- There is a risk of infection and complications associated with the surgery, such as nerve damage, sinus perforation, and damage to adjacent teeth and surrounding soft tissues.
- There is also a possibility that dental implants will not fuse properly with the jawbone, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
- Some patients may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in dental implants.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are a treatment option for teeth that are damaged, decayed, or misshapen. They can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured or have gaps between them. These crowns are placed over the existing tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Dental crowns can also be used as a prosthesis for dental implants.
In most cases, dental crowns are made from porcelain or ceramic, which closely match the colour of natural teeth. They can also be made from metal, gold, or other materials. The type of dental crown that is suited for you will depend on the location of the tooth and your personal preference. Dental crowns are effective in restoring teeth to their normal function and appearance. With proper care, they can last for many years.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
Essentially, the crown acts as a replacement for the natural tooth structure. They usually require at least two visits to be placed.
First, the tooth is prepared by removing decay and shaping it to make room for the crown. Next, an impression of the tooth is taken and used to create the dental crown.
Once the crown is ready, it is placed over the existing tooth and cemented. The dental crown can now help restore the function and appearance of the natural tooth.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a popular treatment option for many dental patients. There are many advantages to getting dental crowns, which is why dental professionals often recommend them.
Here are five of the most common advantages of dental crowns:
- Dental crowns can help to restore the function of your teeth. If you have a damaged tooth, it can affect your ability to bite and chew properly. Dental crowns can help protect your teeth from further damage and restore your ability to eat and speak normally.
- Dental crowns can improve the appearance of your smile. If you have damaged or discoloured teeth, dental crowns can help cover these imperfections and give you a bright, beautiful smile.
- Dental crowns are a durable treatment option. With proper care, dental crowns can last for 5-15 years. This makes them a great investment in your dental health.
- Dental crowns are relatively easy to care for. Dental crowns do not require special care beyond what you would do for your natural teeth. You will need to brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Dental crowns are an affordable treatment option. When compared to other tooth replacement options, such as dental implants, dental crowns are more budget-friendly. This makes them a great option for many patients looking to restore their smile without breaking the bank.
If you are considering dental crowns, discuss the advantages with your experienced dentist to see if they are a viable option.
Disadvantages of Dental Crowns
While dental crowns can provide many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages that patients should be aware of before deciding to get dental crowns.
- Dental crowns are more expensive than dental fillings.
- Dental crown procedures require multiple dental visits, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient for patients.
- There is a risk of nerve damage if the tooth is trimmed too much. This can lead to nerve death and infection.
- Dental crowns can become loose over time and fall out, requiring additional dental work to repair.
- Some dental crowns can cause discoloration of the gums due to their metallic properties.
Final Thoughts
There are many dental procedures that people undergo to maintain their oral health. Two of the most common are dental crowns and dental implants. Both have unique benefits, but deciding which is right for you can be tough.
We know that making decisions about your oral health can be difficult. If you’re still unsure, our team at Maylands Dental Centre would be happy to help. We can give you information about each option to help make your decision easier.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to book an appointment for a consultation with a member of our dental team, please visit our website or call Maylands Dental Centre today. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked questions
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth. Replacing an implant is generally not necessary unless:
- It becomes damaged, loose, or falls off
- It fails to fuse with the jawbone
- It develops an infection
Dental implants are generally a successful treatment option. However, if replacement is necessary, it is usually a simple procedure that your dentist can do.
To be eligible for dental implants, patients must:
- Have at least one tooth missing
- Have healthy gums with no active gum disease or periodontal disease
- Have adequate jaw bone density
- Be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting their dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings
- Be in good overall health, with no medical conditions that can delay the healing process, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases
Dental implants can be a significant investment, and the cost can vary widely depending on several factors.
Some important factors that affect the cost of dental implants include:
- The type of dental implant
- The number of implants needed
- The complexity of the procedure
- The location of the dental practice
- The need for additional procedures such as a bone graft, sinus lift, gum graft, or tooth removal
In general, dental implants can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000. In some cases, dental insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of dental implants.
Some people worry that dental implant surgery will be painful. While it is true that dental implant surgery can be uncomfortable, it is usually not painful.
The area around the implant site will be numbed with local anesthesia, and the majority of patients report feeling only mild discomfort during and after the procedure. In fact, many patients say that dental implant surgery is no more painful than having a tooth extracted.
If you are considering dental implants, you can rest assured that the procedure is unlikely to hurt. Additionally, recovery from dental implant surgery is fairly quick and easy, with most patients feeling back to normal within a few days. Long-term recovery can take weeks or months. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your dentist before the procedure.
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