Dental Implants vs. Crowns

If you have a tooth that’s missing or damaged, you may be debating between a dental implant or a crown. Both treatment options will help protect your bone, teeth, and gums from further damage, but each provide different benefits. The following information can help you select the right treatment for your situation.

Crowns

A crown is made from porcelain or metal and bonded to the tooth using dental cement. Crowns completely encircle the tooth, and porcelain crowns are custom-made to resemble the patient’s natural tooth.

For a crown to be successful, the affected tooth must have a relatively healthy root. If bone or gum loss is present, the tooth will not support a crown well. However, if a tooth is healthy and substantive enough to have a crown placed securely, it’s a great option because it does not require oral surgery. This means a faster recovery time and a less expensive procedure.

Implants

If the root of a tooth is missing, a dental implant is often the only option. An implant is made up of three parts: a fixture that connects the implant to a patient’s jaw, an abutment that connects the fixture to a crown, and a crown attached to the tooth.

Implants are beneficial in place of missing teeth because they can protect the jaw and help increase bite strength. However, they are only effective if the patient’s jaw is in good condition. 

Dental implants are more expensive and time-consuming to receive than crowns, but they last longer and support surrounding teeth better. Crowns typically last for 5–15 years before they need to be replaced, but implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for.

If you’re still unsure whether a crown or an implant is the best option for you, please give us a call at (801) 621–1912 or stop by our office today! We’d love to answer any questions you have.