03
Mar
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.
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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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New Patients: (780) 666-7327 | Existing Patients: (780) 750-3030
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Dental Implants vs Crowns—Which Is Right for You?
Do you have a damaged or missing tooth? Can’t decide between a dental implant and a crown? Call (780) 666-7327 and schedule an appointment with Stoneycreek Village Dental to discuss your options. Drs. Yohannes Melkie, Ji Won Choi, and Cristina Rodrigo will guide you through the benefits and considerations of each treatment option, helping you make an informed decision.
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Dr. Yohannes Melkie
Dr. Yohannes Melkie obtained his Biomedical Science Degree from the University of Ottawa and his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Western Ontario. He then moved to Fort Mac, where he has been practicing since. Continuous education is very important to him; he attends conferences and training sessions to stay current and provide his patients with the best quality treatment.
Dr. Melkie enjoys collaborating with patients to ensure their oral health is in good hands.
Dr. Cristina Rodrigo
Dr. Cristina Rodrigo is renowned for her expertise and compassionate approach to dental care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she was awarded the Gold Medal, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto. As the founder and President of Women in Dentistry at UofT, Dr. Rodrigo showcased her leadership skills. Her experience spans Northern Ontario and Fort McMurray, where she is appreciated for her calm demeanour and ability to alleviate dental anxiety, offering comprehensive care with empathy and trust.
Dr. Ji Won Choi
Dr. Ji Won Choi is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist with a rich international background. Born and raised in South Korea, she pursued her Bachelor of Science degree before moving to Canada. She earned a Master of Science from McGill University and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of British Columbia in 2013. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Choi is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care in Fort McMurray. She is committed to continuous learning.