Dental Crown Vs. Dental Implant: Which Is the Best Option for Me?

Losing a natural tooth, especially at a young age, can alter a lot of things, including your bite, smile, and confidence. Luckily, the advancement in dentistry has made it possible to replace missing teeth.

Two of the most common restorative procedures are dental crowns and implants. They are used in different scenarios, and the best one for you will depend on several factors. In this blog, we will compare the two procedures to help you make an informed decision.

Dental Crown vs. Dental Implant Pros and Cons

Typically, the best way to compare two things is to explore the pros and cons. Therefore, let’s get into it.

Dental Crowns: Pros and Cons

A dental crown is an artificial tooth designed to strengthen a weak tooth, often used for severely decayed teeth or after a root canal. A crown can also be used for cosmetic purposes, especially when it is tooth-colored. There are different types of crowns, including gold, ceramic, porcelain, and amalgam crowns.

Pros

Crowns come with several advantages, which include the following.

• Pocket-Friendly: Compared to a dental implant, a dental crown is more affordable; most insurance cover at least 50 percent of the dental crown cost.
• You Get to Keep Your Natural Tooth: Typically, the dentist near you only removes the affected part of your tooth, and the healthy part remains intact. The crown is then shaped to match the shape of your natural teeth.
• The Dental Crown Procedure is Less Invasive: The crown procedure does not touch the nerves and gums. It only deals with the visible parts of your teeth. Therefore, the chances of developing any complications are always very minimal.
• Aesthetic: Dental crowns are made from different materials, and the ones made from porcelain/ceramic are always the most aesthetic. They match the color of your teeth, and no one will know you replaced a tooth. Even gold porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are pretty aesthetic.

Cons

• If a crown is not properly fixed or gets loose, it can lead to damage to the natural tooth.
• It takes a few days to get used to crowns, and in that time, you will experience some discomfort.
• Your natural tooth must be reduced to make space for the crown.

Dental Implants : Pros and Cons

A dental implant is a tooth replacement involving the use of a titanium crew that acts as a root and a tooth-colored crown. The screw is surgically inserted.

Pros

Dental implants are considered the best replacements for missing teeth, and it is because of the many advantages that come with the procedure. They include:

• Durable: A dental implant can last as long as your natural tooth. In fact, many patients last with their implants for more than 30 years with proper care. It is practically a permanent solution.
• Bone Health: An implant replaces both the infected tooth and root. This means the procedure does not cause any bone loss. However, you must have enough bone to get an implant.
• Aesthetic: An implant uses a tooth-colored crown, so it will be pretty much like your natural teeth. It will restore your smile and confidence.
• Practical Benefits: Implants provide benefits that other restorations cannot provide. For example, an implant bite is far much better than that of dentures. It also does not negatively affect how you pronounce words, unlike dentures.

Cons

• It is a long and time-consuming process. It takes at least six months.
• Dental implants are relatively more expensive than crowns.
• Implants are not perfect for all patients. You might require additional procedures such as bone graft surgery if you don’t have enough bone.

Dental Crown vs. Dental Implant Cost

Typically, dental implants are more expensive than crowns. This is because the procedure replaces both the root and crown, plus it takes so much time. Also, implants are more durable, so the cost is justified.

How Insurance Will Impact Cost of Dental Crown Vs. Dental Implant in Ellicott City, MD

Most insurance providers do not cover implant costs. However, you might get coverage with your medical plan, depending on the cause of tooth loss and the insurance plan. On the other hand, most insurance providers often cover at least 50 percent of crown procedure costs. Still, be sure to confirm with your provider beforehand.

Excel Dental Care

Talk to us if you are looking for a dentist Ellicott City, MD. We will help you choose the best replacement for your condition and guide you through the journey. Book an appointment now.