Dental implants and bridges are intended to take the place of missing teeth while crowns and bridges can act as a supportive cover for teeth that are damaged. Although a tooth is strong and just like bones is formed with minerals a tooth can be susceptible to decay because of the environment it exists in.
Accidents, medications, adverse health conditions, and poor oral hygiene can cause severe damage to the teeth, resulting in broken teeth or total tooth loss. To prevent further complications or more lost teeth, it is important to have immediate dental treatment to support the remaining good teeth.
Treatments include the use of crowns as a protective cover on damaged teeth or dental implants or bridges to fill the gaping hole in the gums. Without professional treatment, there is a risk for infection, decay, or disease that can affect the remaining teeth. If as well the gums are damaged then periodontal disease can develop, leading to heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease.
What Are Dental Implants and Crowns?
A dental implant is a device placed into the jaw as an artificial root to support the placement of a reproduced tooth. This can improve a patient’s ability to speak, chew and eat and enhance their smile. An implant replaces the entire structure of the tooth from the root to the crown. Implants support the health of the bone to prevent bone loss as well as support the essential bite strength of the jawbone.
Dental crowns are artificial coverings that fit over a damaged tooth to prevent tooth loss. A crown can be constructed from porcelain, silver, gold, or other durable materials. This form of treatment is non-invasive as the crown is placed on the visible portion of the tooth, not within the gums. A crown can also be used to protect receding gums and any sensitivity to hot and cold substances.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Bridges are artificial coverings to replace a missing tooth by covering the teeth adjacent to the space with crowns that are joined together. It restores function and chewing while at the same time covering the camaged teeth to prevent tooth loss.
A Comparison Between Dental Implants and Crowns
Dental implants and crowns are safe and effective dental treatments for damaged or missing teeth. With a common goal, both options have various advantages and disadvantages depending on a number of factors.
Procedure
In general, dentists perform dental implants and crowns over a course of time. The length of the treatment depends on the condition of the patient’s oral health, the number of teeth to be treated, and the outcomes of each step along the way. It is imperative that a patient follows all care instructions from the dentist to ensure the treatment is successful with pain management.
Dental implants can take several months to complete as the targeted area sees the remaining tooth removed before the implant is screwed into place through an incision. The gums are secured over the implant to set over a period of months. Over a number of appointments, scans of the mouth will be taken for a prosthetic tooth to be constructed and placed.
A crown takes less time, but the treatment is done over two separate appointments. The damaged tooth is shaped, and an impression is obtained for a custom fit of the crown while a temporary crown is placed over the tooth for security. At the next appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the custom-made piece is properly fitted with dental cement.
It is the same procedure for the placement of a bridge however multiple teeth will be involved.
Appearance
Dental services are intended to maintain good oral and physical health but also to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. With dental implants and crowns and bridges there is little difference in the look of the artificial tooth in comparison with the healthy teeth.
Durability
Most dental implants are constructed with metal titanium and are secured within the jawbone, resulting in a long lasting treatment. While implants may last a lifetime for many, crowns and bridges can last up to 10 years with proper care. Repairs or replacements of crowns are done as needed.
Cost
The costs associated with tooth replacement can vary based on the type of treatment and location of the treatment. Dental implants are typically an expensive solution with only part of the treatment being covered by some private insurance companies. Bridges may be a similar cost to implants if only one tooth is missing. Crowns are less expensive when replacing one damaged tooth.Various dental offices provide a payment plan for those with low income to ensure everyone has access to proper dental care.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Dental Implants and Crowns
Based on the recommendations of a family dentist, there are specific factors that outline whether a crown or dental implant is the better choice for your dental needs.
Dental implants are used for situations from single to multiple or all teeth are missing. Crowns are used to repair broken teeth, discolouration, decay, or when large gaps between the teeth are present. Bridges work best when there are teeth present on either side of the hole left by a missing tooth.
During an initial consultation, a dentist will advise you as to the best dental plan to protect your oral health and the future health of the remaining teeth.
Visit our Dental Clinic for Cosmetic Dental Services in Etobicoke
Choose Princeview Dental Group as your “dentist near me” if you need cosmetic dental services in Etobicoke. Our friendly and non-judgmental environment offers a calming choice for all tooth replacement services such as crowns and dental implants.
As a family dental practice, we offer a full range of dental treatments. Call us today at (416) 231-4562 to book a consultation.
