Are Dental Implants Better Than Crowns? Pros and Cons

If you've lost a tooth or have broken teeth, your dentist may recommend restorative options like dental implants and dental crowns. Missing dentition can mar your smile while affecting functionality and self-confidence. In this post, we consider the pros and cons of both options for a better-informed decision. Let's get started!

Dental Implants

Dental implants are surgical components that are usually fused to the jawbone as a replacement for a missing tooth. These implants or teeth are made from titanium. An implant comprises three parts: a fixture, abutment, and crown—the fixture is attached to the jawbone, while the abutment connects the fixture to the crown. The crown or fake teeth look like the particular tooth being replaced. Getting dental implants in Tempe AZ is an excellent choice for replacing severely damaged teeth that cannot be salvaged.

Pros

1. Dental Implants Are Durable

Dental Implants are permanent teeth built to last. While crowns are replaced every 10 to 15 years, implants are fixed for a lifetime. Implants function like natural teeth, making them stronger than crowns. They're quite adaptable such that you need to worry about crushing any hard substance.

2. Dental Implants Look Natural

Similar to crowns, implants look like natural teeth. You can't distinguish between an implant and a natural tooth.

3. Dental Implants Are Strong

Compared to crowns, dental implants have great strength. They support the jaw by restoring it to its natural state. They improve the existing bone restoration process.

Cons

1. Dental Implants Are Expensive and Require Time

Unlike crowns, dental implants are quite costly. It's also time-consuming as you'll need to schedule numerous appointments with an oral surgeon. You may have to undergo 2 surgeries for a complete and successful dental implant. Patients who need bone grafting for a successful implant will have to wait for up to 6 months for the graft to heal before the implant can be done. It depends on the healing process and the efforts put in. Today, there are a rising number of dental insurance companies covering dental implants.

2. Dental Implants Can Lead to Infection

Infection can occur during implants. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory infection that causes bone loss, most especially around tissue surrounding the implant. These infections can also result in peri-implant mucositis, which affects the mucosa and gums close to an implant. If these infections aren't treated, they can cause implant failure.

3. Dental Implants Are Not Ideal for Everyone

Though implants are a common solution to dental issues, they're not suitable for everyone. Anyone who wants to do a dental implant should be healthy as it's a serious surgical process. Ensure dental implants are needed before you proceed. Also, there must be enough bone material to cushion the implant; otherwise, you'll need to do a bone graft.

Crowns

A crown, also known as a cap, is a fake tooth used in place of the damaged tooth. It's a restorative procedure used alongside dental implants. Crowns are usually affixed to the affected tooth using dental cement. They're made of various materials like gold, metal, porcelain, and other durable substances.

Pros

1. Crowns Are Less Expensive

Relative to dental implants, crowns are less expensive and often covered by dental implants insurance. Dental crowns require a simple procedure and less time to install. It also doesn't take much time to heal.

2. Crowns Offer Strong Support

Crowns support natural dentition by protecting the root and structures. Teeth loss can severely damage your dental health, but you won't need to bother about oral issues with crowns.

3. Crowns Look Like Natural Teeth

With the use of ceramics in duplicating a natural tooth, you can't possibly tell the difference between a crown and a natural tooth.

4. Crowns Support Other Restorative Procedures

Dental crowns can also act as supporting units to other dental restoration processes. Crowns are used in implants as parts of the dental procedure. They can act as protective shields for teeth, support for dental bridges, and many more.

Cons

1. Dental Crowns Will Need Replacement

A major drawback to using a dental crown is the need for replacement after some time. Crowns may wear out due to frequent use and will need to be replaced for functional use. Worn out crowns may fall off or break. Ideally, you'll want to replace crowns once they start wearing out.

2. There May Be Need for Filing

Before capping a tooth, there may be a need to file the teeth and surrounding areas for the crown to fit in. Filing can cause the crown to be brittle and probably break. Unlike dental implants, crowns can crack at the slightest chewing action. You can prevent this by making the crowns thicker to accommodate the affected tooth.

Wrapping Up

You're probably thinking of the best dental option. Dental Implants are better than crowns as they're quite stronger, durable, and long-lasting. Though dental implants are preferable, it's not the right option for everyone. In choosing a dental option, ensure you consider the factors involved.