Teeth Implants vs. Crowns: Which Is Better?

Significant advances in dental materials and techniques give dentists the unprecedented ability to restore damaged and missing teeth to change smiles and lives. One of the treatments that has revolutionized dental treatment is the placement of dental implants. However, as implants continue to become more popular, many patients question whether implants have now completely replaced dental crowns. Find out more about teeth implants vs. crowns. And for dental implants we offer services in North Charleston, West Ashley, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, James Island and Hanahan, SC.

We can help you decide the best options to restore damaged and missing teeth. Schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral examination.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A crown, also called a cap, is a dental prosthetic replacement for the top part of a tooth. This is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line. The most common material used to make a dental crown is porcelain. However, gold and other metals are used in some instances. Dental crowns are typically used to:

  • Restore tooth structure that has been damaged by tooth decay.

  • Repair a tooth that has been severely chipped.

  • Protect a weakened tooth from fracturing.

  • Cosmetically improve a severely discolored tooth.

  • Close a large gap between two teeth.

  • Improve how well upper and lower teeth bite together.

  • Support a bridge and hold it in place.

  • Cover a dental implant.

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a metal post or screw that is surgically placed in the jawbone. It replaces the root of a missing tooth and is typically made of titanium. Usually, a metal connector, known as an abutment, is placed on the implant. The abutment attaches a dental crown to the implant. Many people use the term implant to refer to the entire prosthesis instead of only the titanium post that is submerged in the bone and hidden by the gums.

Dental implants can be used to:

  • Replace a single missing tooth instead of placing a fixed dental bridge.

  • Support a fixed dental bridge. If you are missing several teeth, implants can be placed to support a permanent fixed dental bridge instead of a removable partial denture.

  • Support dentures. Implant dentures offer a permanent and fixed alternative to removable dentures.

  • Restore a complete mouth. Patient satisfaction is high when implants are used as part of full mouth rehabilitation.

Which Is Better?

You may need to decide between a dental implant or dental crowns placed on natural teeth to support a fixed dental bridge. While both of these restorations are used successfully, dental implants offer these advantages:

  • Preservation of tooth structure. With dental implants, no natural tooth structure is removed. A fixed dental bridge, however, requires removing enough tooth structure to place dental crowns.

  • Prevention of bone loss. After tooth extraction, you lose the bone that surrounded the roots. However, dental implants help maintain that bone which strengthens your jaw and helps prevent premature skin wrinkles by supporting facial muscles. 

  • Restoration of natural bite force. After the implant fuses with the bone, your bite force increases and approaches your original strength in biting.

  • Restoration of natural appearance. Because the implant replaces the missing tooth’s root, you get a more natural look than other replacement options.

  • Simplification of oral hygiene. You can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy teeth and gums with implants. Fixed dental bridges require using devices such as floss threaders to clean them and prevent tooth decay and gum disease adequately.

Schedule Appointment for Teeth Implants vs. Crowns

Contact Trident Dental to learn how we can help you regain your smile with the best modern dental techniques and cosmetic dental materials. Whether you need to repair teeth damaged by tooth decay, replace old fillings, or replace missing teeth, we can dramatically improve your smile and help boost your self-esteem.

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