It’s estimated that a quarter of adults over the age of sixty-five only have eight or fewer teeth. As we get older, tooth loss can become an inevitability for many people. The good news is that there are a variety of dental solutions for tooth loss and tooth decay.
Two of the most popular options include dental implants and dental crowns. However, it’s important to remember that both of these options come with their pros and cons.
So, which is right for your smile: dental implants vs crowns? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these two treatments.
What Is a Dental Implant?
When someone loses their teeth, a medical device is installed into a person’s jaw. These types of dental implants restore both a person’s appearance and their ability to chew properly.
There are a variety of complications that occur when someone loses their teeth. Besides obvious ones like difficulty chewing and appearance, it can also lead to problems with speech and bone degeneration.
By surgically implanting a device at the root of the tooth, and then installing a crown on top, it can restore a lot of the function lost from missing teeth. This smile makeover can greatly improve the quality of life for the patient.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is simply a tooth-shaped cap that’s applied to the top of your tooth. If you have a tooth that’s decaying or partially damaged, the oral surgeon will reshape it by removing some of the enamel.
Then, they’ll make a dental crown that’s designed to fit on top of the reshaped tooth. This is secured by bonding the cap to the original tooth. Dental crown replacements can be made out of a variety of different materials, including porcelain, metal, and resin.
Dental Implants vs Crowns
Deciding between a dental implant vs a crown can be a difficult decision because there are many pros and cons associated with them both. In this section, we’ll be going over the pros and cons associated with each of them.
However, we highly recommend discussing your options with a professional. They can provide insight into the right options for your needs.
Pros of Dental Implants
It can be an intensive procedure, but it’s important to remember the benefits of dental implants. For starters, it can restore your ability to chew properly. It can also restore the cosmetic appearance of your teeth, which improves confidence and quality of life.
Many older people prefer dental implants because they can help the jawbone from shrinking due to the bone loss that accompanies old age. A dental implant is also great for preserving the overall health of the bones and gums that surround it.
Lastly, it helps keep any nearby teeth stable throughout their lifetime. If you want to learn more about the pros that come with dental implants, we recommend checking out this resource here.
Cons of Dental Implants
Dental implants aren’t perfect-they’re a good deal more expensive than dental crowns. However, it’s important to note that they also last longer, which means the value is spread out over the years.
Dental implants also require a lot more time to install. What’s more, you’ll also need to follow careful surgical instructions before and after the procedure.
Lastly, dental implants aren’t a viable solution for everyone. To get this type of surgery, you must be in good health. As such, some oral surgeons might suggest an alternative if it’s not a realistic treatment option in your current state.
Pros of Dental Crowns
One of the biggest benefits of dental crowns is that they can prevent teeth from further decay and damage while providing support. Following a root canal surgery, dental crowns are great at providing an additional layer of protection.
If a tooth is cracked, it can help hold the crack in place in certain applications. Dental crowns alter the shape and color of teeth, so like dental implants, they also increase aesthetic appeal.
Perhaps the most attractive benefit for many people, dental crowns are a lot more affordable than implants. As such, they can fit a lot more budgets easily. Lastly, a dental crown allows you to keep your original tooth, which many dentists agree is the most preferable option.
Cons of Dental Crowns
To fit you with a dental crown, a professional needs to shave down your original tooth. This is an irreversible procedure that requires you to commit to a dental crown.
Many people also report heightened teeth sensitivity following the installation of a dental crown. However, this can usually be managed with the right type of toothpaste and diet.
Lastly, dental crowns aren’t permanent like dental implants. The adhesive that’s used to secure them washes away over time. They’re also more susceptible to cracking. As such, crowns are more commonly used for aesthetic reasons.
Which Option Is Right for Me?
It’s vital to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dental treatment. As such, the right treatment option for you will depend on a variety of factors like your age, time restrictions, and costs.
As we mentioned before, your overall health is a big factor for dental implants. Since they require time to heal, this needs to be taken into account.
Similarly, if you have a decaying tooth that can be saved, it’s usually preferable to try and retain the root with a crown. If you aren’t sure which option fits your needs, visit an oral surgeon. They can examine you and recommend the best course of action.
Want Top-Rated Oral Surgeons? Contact Jenkins, Morrow & Gayheart OMS
We hope this guide helped you learn more about the differences between dental implants vs crowns. Here at Jenkins, Morrow & Gayheart OMS, we know how stressful any dental procedure can be.
That’s why we do everything in our power to make the experience a comfortable one. We do this by combining state-of-the-art technology with individualized patient care.
But don’t take our word for it. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about the difference that top-rated oral surgeons can make in your life.
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