Losing a tooth can be painful, embarrassing and cause difficulties with basic tasks such as eating and speaking. What can add to the stress is the array of options available to replace a missing tooth or teeth; with conflicting advice, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
Implants and crowns are two of the most widely used and trusted choices for tooth replacement today. There is no one answer to which procedure is ‘better’, but one or other may be a better choice depending on your situation, and the good news is that both treatments are generally pain-free.
We’ve put together this guide to help you decide.
What is a crown?
A dental crown is also known as a cap and can go over either an implant or a severely decayed, fractured or weakened tooth. It completely covers your tooth and restores its shape, size and strength. A crown does not replace the root of a tooth, only the part which has been decayed or damaged.
Common uses for crowns include:
- Covering a dental implant
- Restoring a tooth with a very large filling or severe decay
- Protecting a decayed tooth from further damage
- Strengthening and protecting a tooth after a root canal
- Supporting a bridge by covering the teeth each side of a gap
Advantages of crowns
Aesthetic appearance
Crowns restore and improve the appearance of your teeth, as they can slightly change the shape and colour.
Holding a cracked tooth together
If you want to avoid removing a tooth, having a dental crown fitted will help keep it in place.
Cheaper than dental implants
Some patients are put off dental implants by the cost; crowns do provide a more affordable alternative.
However, at Pearl Dental, we do have a number of affordable payment plans and finance options for peace of mind.
You get to keep the tooth
Having a crown instead of an implant lets you keep the tooth rather than have it removed. Avoiding the extraction procedure makes crowns a popular option for many of our patients.
Disadvantages of crowns
Your teeth are filed into place
This is an irreversible procedure, and you may feel anxious about it. However, at our Bradford clinic, the crown procedure is carried out under sedation or local anaesthetic for your comfort.
Tooth sensitivity is common
Following a crown being fitted, it is normal to have some sensitivity for the first few weeks, and your crown may feel slightly higher than other teeth at first. Your dentist can advise you how to treat this.
Decay can sometimes still occur
Plaque can accumulate in the tiny space around a crown, which can lead to tooth decay or gum inflammation if it is not cleaned properly.
Crowns can loosen, chip or crack
If you have a crown, it can get damaged, especially through particularly hard foods, biting on objects such as pens, or playing some sports.
Like natural teeth, crowns can also wear down through time if you grind your teeth heavily (bruxism).
What are dental implants?
When you have a dental implant, our dentist will carefully place a small titanium post into your jawbone under local anaesthetic. Over time, this will fuse with the bone, and around 3-9 months later your new crown can be placed over the implant. Your crown will be unique to you and will look and feel just like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are widely considered the best replacement tooth option as they reproduce a tooth’s natural structure, including the root.
Here are some reasons why you might be advised to get an implant:
- Replacing one or more missing teeth
- Problems with existing dentures, bridges or crowns
- Preserving facial structure and preventing jawbone loss
- Severe tooth decay or injury
Advantages of dental implants
Durability and longevity
If you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, implants can last for decades and sometimes even a lifetime.
Jawbone structure is preserved
Teeth naturally stimulate each other when they chew and help maintain the jawbone, preventing it from deteriorating. Implants prevent bone loss by acting like artificial ‘tooth roots’.
Implants protect nearby teeth
Dental implants protect the teeth on either side, both from decay through plaque building up in the gap, and from drifting out of place.
Natural look and feel
Implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth and will not be noticeable by others. Our dental implants are bespoke to each patient and designed to match your smile.
Disadvantages of dental implants
Surgery and healing period
Dental implants do involve a surgical procedure and will need a recovery period of 3 to 9 months while the bone fully heals, before we fit your permanent crown.
However, we will give you a temporary crown before the final one is fitted, so you won’t have to change your diet after the initial recovery phase or go without teeth.
You need enough bone density
Some patients cannot have dental implants due to the fact that their jawbone has deteriorated or is not dense enough. However, it is often possible to have a bone graft which will provide enough bone for the implant to secure.
Some implant types, such as All-on-4, also require less bone density than others.
Implants often cost more than other procedures
Dental implants are often more expensive than other dental procedures, including crowns. However, as implants are so durable, they can be thought of as a long-term investment in your health, aside from the short-term costs.
Not suitable for everyone
Dental implants will not be the right choice for all patients. For example, if you are taking some types of osteoporosis medication or have poorly controlled diabetes, or if you have had radiotherapy on your jawbone, we may offer an alternative.
However, this does not necessarily rule implants out, and you will only know after you have had a consultation.
Do you recommend crowns or implants?
Ultimately, both dental crowns and implants are useful in different situations.
Crowns help hold together broken or weakened teeth, and are especially useful after a root canal treatment as they help to provide a protective shield after the procedure.
Dental implants are a versatile, long-term solution which if looked after well, can last 20-30 years or even longer. As they do not replace only the visible part of the tooth as crowns do, but act as artificial roots anchored into the jawbone, this means that they can maintain the health of your jawbone and protect your other healthy teeth. For this reason, dental implants are usually considered the ‘better option’ when it’s dental implants vs crowns.
Deciding whether crowns or dental implants are better for you will depend on your situation and needs. Contact us today for a consultation – we’re happy to help you on your journey to a healthier, brighter smile.
FAQs
How long is the treatment process for dental crowns and implants?
A quality dental crown can take up to a few weeks to be made. Until your crown is ready, our dentist will provide a temporary one to wear.
For implants, the process is similar but does take longer. After your implant is fitted, we’ll give you a temporary crown to wear until the permanent one is placed, usually 3 to 9 months later.
Is having dental implants painful?
Having dental implants at Pearl Dental should not be painful because we will give you a local anaesthetic before we fit the implant.
However, you may experience some discomfort after the treatment. This can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, although your dentist will give you more detailed instructions.
How long do crowns last?
Crowns can easily last between 7 and 15 years. However, you need to observe good oral hygiene which includes regular dental checkups and thorough tooth cleaning. Additionally, physical trauma can damage your crown.
What types of dental implants do you offer in Bradford?
We offer a choice of dental implants, including single-tooth implants (to replace a missing tooth), and All-on-4 implants, which are designed to replace an entire arch of teeth – you may have also heard these referred to as ‘Teeth in a Day’ or ‘Smile in a Day’.
We also offer All-on-6, which is like All-on-4 but gives extra stability and is suitable for patients with more bone in their jaw.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of your dental implants will vary based on a number of factors such as complexity and length of treatment times. At your initial consultation, we will provide a fully costed treatment plan with time estimates. We also provide a range of affordable treatment plans for your peace of mind.
Prices start from £750 for crowns. Explore private dental fees at Pearl Dental Queensbury here.