Understanding the Distinction between Crowns and Implant Crowns

In dental restorations, various options are available to help you regain your smile and confidence. Two of the most common and effective dental procedures are crowns and implant crowns. While both serve a similar purpose – to restore damaged or missing teeth – they have some key differences which are important to understand before deciding on the best course of action for your dental needs. In this blog post, we will delve into the differences between these two restorative dental procedures to help you make an informed decision.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped covering placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used for various reasons, including:

1. Protecting a weak tooth from breaking or holding together parts of a cracked tooth

2. Restoring a tooth that has been severely worn down or damaged by decay

3. Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling when there isn't much tooth structure left

4. Improving the appearance of discolored or misshaped teeth

Crowns can be made from various materials, such as porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, resin, or metals like gold, depending on the patient's specific needs and preferences.

Implant Crowns

An implant crown is a prosthetic tooth used to replace a missing tooth as part of a dental implant procedure. A dental implant is a small, screw-like post made of titanium surgically placed into the jawbone where the missing tooth's root once was. After the implant has fused with the surrounding bone, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, an abutment and the implant crown are then placed on top of the implant to create a natural-looking and fully functional replacement tooth.

Differences Between Crowns and Implant Crowns

While both crowns and implant crowns serve to restore damaged or missing teeth, there are several key differences between the two:

1. Purpose

Dental crowns are designed to restore the structure and appearance of a damaged tooth, while implant crowns are used to replace an entire missing tooth, including the root, in conjunction with a dental implant.

2. Procedure

A dental crown procedure involves preparing the damaged tooth by removing decay and shaping it to accommodate the crown. An impression of the prepared tooth is then taken and sent to a dental lab to create the custom-made crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth. Once the permanent crown is ready, it is cemented onto the prepared tooth. 

On the other hand, an implant crown procedure involves surgically placing a dental implant into the jawbone, allowing it to fuse with the bone, and then attaching an abutment and the implant crown to complete the process.

3. Tooth Preservation

In the case of dental crowns, the natural tooth structure is preserved to some extent as the crown is placed over the existing tooth. With implant crowns, the entire tooth is replaced, including the root.

4. Longevity

While both crowns and implant crowns are designed to be long-lasting, implant crowns are generally considered more durable due to their integration with the jawbone, which helps maintain bone density and prevent further tooth loss.

Conclusion

The decision between a crown and an implant crown depends on your unique dental needs, preferences, and budget. It is essential to consult with your dentist to discuss your options and determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Both crowns and implant crowns are effective dental restorations that can help you regain your smile, confidence, and oral health.

Are you looking to get dental crowns in Tampa, FL? Look no further than Best Value Dentures & Implants Westchase! Our team of experienced dental professionals provides the highest quality denture and implant services at reasonable prices. Get in touch with us today!