Dental implants and crowns - which is the better option? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. This article takes a close look at the pros and cons of each.
The crown used to be the standard when it came to fixing teeth,
but dental implants are now offering something more. They're the newest thing in tooth replacement and repair, but that doesn't mean that they're necessarily better than crowns. It's more like they're better at certain things, while crowns are better at others. There is no one-size-fits-all answer; it's ultimately up to the dentist. But let's consider the pros and cons of each.
What's The Difference?
Dental implants are attached to the jawbone through a simple surgical procedure. They fuse with your jaw function just like real teeth over time. A crown is simply a cap that's placed on top, which requires a minimum of surgery. It's the old method of fixing teeth that many older people have.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants are more durable than crowns. They're built to last and are virtually permanent. They don't wear out over time and they look just like teeth. This durability also means that you can eat anything you want and don't have to worry about chipping, pain or any kind of irritation.
They're also flexible. You can have one tooth replaced or a whole row of teeth, and the implantation won't affect the neighboring teeth at all. Because of this, they also make a great alternative to dentures. This is a solution that can take care of any missing or chipped teeth so that it looks completely natural.
The Advantages of Crowns
Just because dental implants are "the new thing" doesn't necessarily mean that they're any better than crowns. One of the reasons crowns are nice is that they're minimally invasive. It doesn't require any real surgery to have them put in. The surgery involved in getting an implant does carry a slight risk of infection, although cases are rare. However, it is surgery so the risk is there.
Dental implants often require several trips to the dentist to get them put in. Crowns can be done in just a few visits, making them much quicker and easier to get.
Another advantage of crowns is that they cost less than dental implants, which can be somewhat pricey. Of course, it should be considered that these are meant to be permanent and are very durable, making it a good investment. But still, the cost can be somewhat prohibitive. It is also more likely that you can get your insurance to pay for your crowns.
Comparing dental implants and crowns is somewhat like comparing apples and oranges. If you ask your dentist, they'll be able to decide which is best for you. In general, a crown is better for cases where there is some damage to a tooth, but it is more or less still intact. Otherwise, the implant is sometimes necessary when a tooth is gone completely, or when damage is so severe that a crown won't take care of it. The best thing to do is to have your dentist take a look at the damage and make their own assessment.
