Are Dental Implants or Dental Crowns Better?

Restorative dentistry includes any service that repairs or restores teeth. If a tooth is worn down, cracked, or even lost completely, our dentists can help! Dental implants and dental crowns are two common restorative treatments.

Uses for Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are strong, natural-looking “caps” that fit snugly over a natural tooth. Crowns could be recommended for several reasons, such as to cover a broken tooth, hide severe discoloration or shape irregularity, or reinforce a tooth compromised by decay. They can also complete a dental implant (more on that later!).

We use precision engineering to craft custom crowns that blend in with your smile. Thanks to advanced CEREC^® technology, we can place your crowns in just one visit instead of the usual two visits that a traditional crown would require.

A Permanent Tooth Replacement

Dental implants permanently replace missing teeth. This invasive treatment requires healthy gums and a strong jawbone. After we determine that you are a good candidate for the treatment, we will surgically place a biocompatible post in your gums. This post will fuse to your jawbone as you heal.

We can put an artificial tooth on top once the implant is fused and stable in your bone. For a single missing tooth, we use a dental crown as the artificial tooth. Alternatively, implant-supported bridges and implant-supported dentures can be used to replace multiple missing teeth.

Poor oral health habits can damage your oral tissue and weaken the stability of your implants. With implants, you must commit to excellent oral hygiene and avoid tobacco products to keep your gums and jawbone healthy.

Which One Is Better for My Situation?

Whether an implant or a crown is a better choice depends on your situation. If you have a tooth that’s damaged, a crown can restore it and save you from a tooth extraction. If you’re missing a tooth or a tooth is so damaged it needs to be removed, we can replace it with a dental implant and a crown. During your consultation, we can discuss your options and help you make the best decision.

Restorative Dentistry at CarolinasDentist

CarolinasDentist offers a variety of restorative dental treatments at our many locations. Whenever possible, we try to protect and save damaged natural teeth with fillings, root canal therapy, and dental crowns. But if an extraction is needed or you’ve already lost a tooth, dental implants are a great permanent solution.

Do you have questions about our services or want to schedule an appointment? Please contact us today!