Are you dealing with a damaged tooth that needs professional treatment? Or maybe you’re missing a tooth entirely and want a reliable replacement? It’s ok to be confused about what works best for you with so many options out there. Crowns and dental implants are two common ways to treat or fill in the missing teeth. Both options can improve your dental health, but they have different purposes and are suitable for different situations.
Keep on reading to know more about the pros and cons of each option, as well as what to expect during the process. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your dental health. We also make sure you can benefit from the best dental services, such as dental implants, at Walk-In Dental Clinic in Toronto!
To better understand which process is best for you and how they differ, we should break down each one’s process, purposes, benefits, and downsides. Let’s start with crowns!
What Are Crowns and How Are They Effective?
Dental Crowns are like protective caps for your teeth, covering a damaged or weak tooth entirely to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are made of materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal to look and feel just like your natural teeth. Crowns are used for various reasons:
- to protect a tooth that’s cracked or worn down,
- to cover a tooth with a large filling,
- to hold a dental bridge in place,
- to cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
All in all, crowns are typically needed when a large cavity threatens the health of a tooth or when a tooth is cracked or broken. Crowns can also be used to cover severely discolored teeth.
What Is the Process of Inserting Crowns Like?
Knowing what to expect during a procedure helps you be prepared and make an informed decision. So, the whole process of placing crowns on teeth has five steps, as explained below:
- The tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown by removing a portion of the tooth structure.
- Then, the dentist takes an impression of the prepared tooth, along with the surrounding teeth to create a model for the crown.
- While the permanent crown is being made, the dentist places a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it.
- Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary crown and checks if the new one is fit and the color matches.
- If everything is good to go, the crown is attached into place.
Read more about Single Tooth Dental Implants
What Are the Possible Downsides of Placing Crowns on Teeth?
One of the most important factors about crowns is to ensure that they perfectly fit the size and color of the tooth. Otherwise, crowns will turn into a big disaster, making eating and biting the most difficult things to do! Moreover, the underlying tooth can still develop cavities if the patient doesn’t maintain proper oral hygiene. Finally, as some of our patients who went under crowns procedure have reported, after placing crowns, their teeth became more sensitive to cold and hot temperatures.
Read more: Dental Implant Vs. Bridge: The Best Choice for Tooth Replacement
What Are Dental Implants Good for?
If one of your teeth is missing, crowns may not be the best solution. Instead, dental implants that are placed into your jawbone are the more effective option. These implants provide a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth. So, they function just like natural ones. Additionally, dental implants prevent jawbone loss that occurs over time when teeth are missing. Dental implants are known for their durability, making them a popular option. With proper care, they can last a lifetime! You also don’t need to get your nearby teeth removed and reshaped when placing an implant.
What to Expect During a Dental Implant Session?
Once you visit your dentist to place dental implants, your dentist takes the following steps. However, dental implant procedure may take longer to finish. Therefore, you also need to be familiar with the process after the session. Here are all the steps you should be prepared for.
- First, the dentist injects local anesthesia or sedation to make sure you won’t feel the pain.
- Then, they place the implant into the jawbone, where there’s an empty place left from your missing tooth.
- The gum is stitched closed over the implant area.
- After the session, it takes 3 to 6 months for the implant to blend with your jawbone. This period is called osseointegration.
- Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant.
- The gum tissue can now heal around the abutment for a few weeks.
What Are the Possible Downsides of Dental Implants?
Since it’s a surgical procedure, dental implants have always the tendency for infections. Plus, it may take longer than expected to heal. Another downside of dental implants is that they’re more expensive than other methods. Moreover, since it is considered cosmetic surgery, insurance doesn’t usually cover the expenses. With all the possible pitfalls of dental implants, this procedure remains one of the most popular and effective ways to treat different tooth damage.
read more: A Comprehensive Guide on All-on-4 Dental Implants
Which One Should I Use?
Still not sure which option, crowns or dental implants, is a better choice for you? No worries! We have summarized all the information in the following section.
- If you’ve missed one or two of your teeth completely, choose dental implants. Crowns are suitable for repairing teeth that are partly damaged or cracked, while the root is healthy.
- If you’re a bit low on the budget, choose crowns. Placing crowns costs way less than implants due to its less complex process and the time needed.
- If you’re looking for a permanent solution choose implants. In an ideal condition, crowns may last 10 to 15 years. However, most of them need to be replaced over time as they may show signs of wear or cracks.
Don’t forget that you can always get professional help from a dentist to better decide which solution is best for you. The dentist will examine your damaged teeth and check for any other problematic conditions. Then they can offer you the right treatment, ensuring your teeth will restore their beauty and health.
read more: What Are the Causes and Treatments of Crooked Teeth?
Final Word
Many factors can affect your decision to choose crowns or implants, such as the condition of your teeth, your oral health goals, your budget, and your personal preference. You may want to choose to place crowns on your damaged tooth, as it’s simpler, quicker, and more affordable. On the other hand, you may decide to go for implants if you need a permanent treatment, removing the need to regularly visit your dentist!
At Walk-In Dental Clinic, implants and crowns are only two of the various services we offer. Our experienced team knows the best way to place a custom-fit crown or apply a long-lasting solution, like dental implants. Want to know more about our techniques and services? Schedule a visit to the Walk-In Dental Clinic today. We’re always ready to answer your questions, hear about your concerns, and offer the best and most practical solution you need!
