Dental Implants and Crowns
Dental crowns and dental implants serve different purposes. A dental crown caps over your existing tooth structure. A dental implant replaces the whole tooth. If you have a missing tooth, a dental implant is the right choice. You’ll need to have a strong jaw bone structure to support the implant. At William A Larkin DDS, both dental crowns and implants restore a damaged or missing tooth.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a metal post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone which acts as an artificial tooth root and is used to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for many people because they require less maintenance than dentures and bridges and they provide a permanent solution to tooth loss.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most innovative treatments for missing teeth. They are artificial tooth roots that replace a missing tooth. A dental implant is a “root” device made of titanium metal. It is implanted into the jawbone, where the surrounding bone fuses with the implant and forms a sturdy foundation. A dental restoration (such as a crown, bridge, or denture) is then attached to the implant.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. They are made of titanium and surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone. Titanium is biocompatible, which means it is not rejected by the body. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone to provide stable support for artificial teeth.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is simply a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed on top of a tooth. The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, and strength, and protects it from further damage. Dental crowns are sometimes referred to as caps, but they should not be confused with orthodontic caps, which are dental appliances that straighten teeth.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are designed to restore a tooth’s function and appearance. A crown can be used to protect a tooth with a very large filling when the tooth’s structure has been compromised. It can also be used to protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.
When Are Dental Crowns Used?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength and improve its appearance. Crowns are most often used to improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, worn, chipped, cracked, or severely discolored. They can also restore a tooth after a root canal.
Which Treatment Option Is Right for You?
For patients with a missing tooth, the choice between a dental crown and a dental implant can be difficult. Both methods of tooth restoration are designed to give patients the natural appearance of their smile, but there are some differences between dental crowns and dental implants.
Dental crowns are made of porcelain and designed to look just like a natural tooth. A dental crown is custom-shaped and designed to fit in place between the tooth and gums.
Dental implants are designed to support the replacement tooth and are anchored in place. After osseointegration or the process of integrating the implant with your jawbone, your restoration can be attached.
To discover more about dental implants and crowns and which is the best option for you, contact William A Larkin DDS at 600 E Riverpark Ln Ste 120, Boise, ID 83706, or call dentist in Boise, ID at (208) 344-5024.
