Are Crowns Better Than Implants? Here’s What You Need to Know

Dental crowns and implants are two common procedures in restorative dentistry. While sometimes it’s obvious which procedure you need, sometimes it’s never straightforward. Stoneycreek Village Dental offers dental implants and crowns in Fort McMurray, Alberta, to restore damaged or missing teeth to their healthy state. Read on to learn more about crowns and implants to make the best decision for your smile. 

Dental Implants vs Crowns—the differences

Torn between a dental crown and an implant? Here’s what you need to know. 

1. Purpose
   The main difference between dental crowns and implants is their function. Dental implants replace an entire missing tooth, from the crown part to the root. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a natural tooth or implant fully. Crowns cover teeth that are damaged, discolored, or decayed but still have a strong root.  
   
   While both can replace missing teeth, none is stand-alone. A dental implant forms the foundation to anchor a crown, bridge, or denture to replace one or multiple teeth. Dental crowns need pairing with a bridge or implants to replace missing teeth. 
   
2. Components
   A dental implant comprises a titanium post, abutment, and prosthetic tooth. The implant is a biocompatible titanium post placed in the jawbone to form an artificial root. An abutment juts out of the gum line and links the implant to the final restoration. 
   
   A dental crown is simply a cap made from gold, porcelain, composite resin, or a mixture of materials. Dental crowns are created to match the color, size, and shape for natural-looking outcomes. 
   
3. Procedure
   Placing a dental crown takes 2-3 visits. After consultation, the dentist prepares the tooth by reshaping the enamel. Then, we take digital impressions of your tooth, creating a blueprint for crown fabrication. Since creating your crown takes a few days, we usually cover your prepped tooth with an interim crown. When your crown is ready, the dentist bonds it to your tooth with durable adhesives.  
   
   Placing dental implants takes longer and multiple steps. Your procedure starts with a consultation to assess the jawbone’s health. Next, the dentist places a titanium post at a precise location in the jawbone and waits 4-6 months for healing and osseointegration. Once your implants and bone are fully healed, we’ll attach an abutment and finally attach a crown or denture to complete the treatment. 
   
4. Treatment time
   Dental crowns can be completed within a few weeks. Dental implants take several months, with much of the time dedicated to healing. The entire dental implant treatment can take 9-12 months, depending on how well you heal and the need for adjunct procedures like bone grafting. 
   
5. Durability
   Dental crowns are created from durable materials, resilient enough to last 10-15 years despite everyday use. Dental implants are a near-permanent solution. Once they integrate with the jawbone, dental implants can last over 20 years or more. 

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