If your teeth need to be repaired or replaced due to decay or trauma, or if you have missing teeth, your dentist usually offers you two treatment options: Dental crowns or dental implants.
A dental crown is a dental treatment that is usually applied when the tooth is salvageable, such as when it is decayed, broken, weak or worn down.It replaces only the problematic part of the tooth and the tooth root is not replaced.
A dental implant, on the other hand, is an artificial tooth made of titanium or ceramic-zirconium that replaces missing or unrecoverable teeth.
When you need to make an important decision about your dental health, it can be difficult to determine the right treatment option. Both treatments effectively restore teeth, but each has its own key differences. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of implants and crowns so you can decide which one is right for you.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed on a tooth. Dentists usually use crowns to restore teeth that are weak, decayed, or broken, or that cannot be repaired with fillings. They are usually a permanent solution and should feel and look like your natural teeth
The material that many dental crowns are made of varies depending on the type of tooth. There are different types of crowns depending on the material they are made of, such as metal crowns that use various materials such as gold, nickel, crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal porcelain-supported (PFM) crowns, and porcelain crowns that use porcelain as their main material.
In addition to the above, dental crowns are also used as the crown of a dental implant and to hold a dental bridge in place.
Crowns have a shorter procedure time than implants. Some crowns take 2-3 weeks to complete, while others are completed in a single visit.
The healing period is much shorter, and patients can resume work, school, or other activities immediately after the procedure. As long as you maintain proper oral and dental health, a dental crown can last for many years, up to 10-15 years, depending on the quality of the material.
Dental insurance generally covers dental crowns that are considered medically necessary. However, dental implants that are considered cosmetic may not be covered. It is recommended that you do your research and contact your insurance provider to find out which procedures are covered by your insurance.
There are also some disadvantages;
The teeth to be applied are filed down before the crown is placed and it involves removing some of the natural tooth enamel. It may cause short-term sensitivity in the teeth after the treatment.
There is a possibility of breaking or cracking in the future. If the crown treatment is not done professionally, bacteria and plaque can accumulate in the gaps and cause decay.
The biggest disadvantage of a dental crown is the need to replace it when the time comes. Crowns wear out due to use and need to be replaced in order to be functional again. Although very rare, it may cause allergic conditions in some people.
A dental implant is a screw-mounted artificial tooth designed to replace missing teeth or teeth that are unsaveable. Once the implant is placed in the jawbone, it replaces your tooth root and the surrounding bone fuses with it over time. You can use it like your natural tooth.
Dental implants are recommended for people with the following conditions:
Generally, implants are considered a better treatment option than crowns if you can afford them. There are many advantages to implants;
Choosing between crowns and implants can vary depending on your dental needs. You should always consult your dentist when deciding on the best dental restoration for your needs. If your tooth is damaged but healthy, meaning your dentist believes your tooth can be saved, a crown may be the best option. If your dentist thinks that your tooth cannot be saved, your tooth will be extracted and a dental implant will be the best option. Because implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth.
If your tooth is moderately damaged but has a healthy root, both procedures can be used. However, your goals, the longevity of the chosen treatment, cost and time will be important factors in making these decisions, together with your dentist's individual assessment.
Are you considering dental implants or crowns? At our Atk Dentpark clinic in Antalya, we are committed to providing you with the support you need to make the right decision about your dental restoration.
Located in the heart of Antalya, ATK Dentpark offers European standards of service, helping you to have a healthy and aesthetic smile. Contact our dental clinic in Antalya for expert dentist advice and treatment tailored to your needs.