How to Decide Between Dental Implants or Crowns to Replace Your Missing Teeth

Dental implants in North Sarasota are considered one of the most superior forms of tooth replacement available, yet, crowns have been around for much longer and proven quite effective. While patients have the ability to let their personal preferences and priorities dictate the type of restorative dentistry they will pursue, you might find it difficult to weigh the pros and cons of each if you’re unsure how both really work. To help you make a more well-informed decision about your dental work, read on to learn about the differences between dental implants and crowns and which one might be right for you.

Dental Crowns: A Reliable Restoration

Dental crowns are also known as “caps.” When used with a bridge fixture, dental crowns can be used to eliminate the gap in your smile as well as lessen the chances of nearby, healthy teeth shifting out of place.

Using your natural, healthy teeth on either side of the gap, your dentist will prepare these teeth to serve as anchors for the bridge prosthetic. Once your customized restoration is ready, he will place the two outer crowns over your healthy teeth, which will, in turn, allow the crown fused in the middle to sit on top of your gums and restore the look of your smile.

As this is a less invasive treatment option, some patients prefer the non-surgical method of replacing their missing teeth in North Sarasota.

Dental Implants: A Newer Form of Stability

For patients who prefer greater stability and functionality, dental implants can deliver. Made of titanium, these posts (implants) are surgically placed into the jawbone and allowed to heal for 3-6 months. During this recovery phase, it is important that osseointegration occurs, as it causes the implant to fuse to the bone and surrounding tissues. Once you’re fully healed, you’ll return to your dentist’s office to have a small, metal appliance known as an abutment placed on top of your implant. Finally, your custom dental crown will be placed on top to ensure a seamless, blended smile.

Dental Crowns and Implants: What Are the Differences?

While the actual structure of each is easy to understand, you might wonder how they differ in other ways. Here are just a few to mention:

• Lifespan: With proper care and maintenance, your dental implants can last decades or more, but a dental crown might only last between 7 and 10 years.
• Surgical vs. Nonsurgical: Individuals who prefer a non-surgical method will want to move forward with a crown and bridge fixture. Dental implants require your dentist to place the posts into your jawbone, thus, requiring surgery.
• Affordability: Dental implants are certainly more expensive than a crown, but if you look at the longevity you’ll receive from implants, they tend to be more cost-effective in the long run.
• Jawbone: With a dental crown and bridge fixture, your jawbone will slowly deteriorate over time because nothing is keeping it stimulated, whereas, dental implants mimic a natural tooth structure, so your jawbone remains strong and healthy.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many great benefits to dental implants, including:

• Improved appearance and confidence
• No chance of decay
• Easy to clean
• Greater functionality
• A longer-lasting restoration
• Better oral health
• Fewer food restrictions

When talking with your dentist about which method of treatment you wish to pursue, make sure you have all the details and information you need to feel confident and comfortable with your decision. Either way, you’ll have a healthier, more beautiful smile when it’s all over.

About the Author
Dr. Warren Hoffman earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from SUNY Binghamton before going on to attend dental school in Baltimore, Maryland. Receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, he completed an externship during his senior year, providing dental services to stationed members of the United States Coast Guard in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Hoffman and his team know you have options when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Whether it is dental implants or crowns, you can trust that your dental needs are in the right hands. From consultation to restoration, we will be with you every step of the way. To learn more about how you can find the right tooth replacement solution for you, contact us at (941) 358-8830.