120 million US adults are missing at least one tooth. Are you one of them? If so, you may be searching for dental treatment options to fill in the gap.

Dental implants and crowns are two top options for tooth replacement. Implants can replace a tooth from the root up. Crowns are better for concealing mild to moderate stains and damage.

But these aren’t the only distinctions you need to understand when comparing a dental implant vs crown. This guide will help you understand the most important differences so you can choose the best option for you.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant can completely replace a damaged or missing tooth. It consists of three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the crown. Each part mimics the components of a real tooth.

The implant fuses with your jawbone to act like the tooth root. The abutment fits on top of the implant, kind of like the inside of a tooth. The porcelain crown attaches to the abutment to serve as the prosthetic tooth’s enamel.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-like cap that can fit over a worn down, broken, decayed, or otherwise damaged tooth. Crowns are also the visible, tooth-like components of a dental implant.

When a crown is fitted over an existing tooth, the tooth must be shaved down and reshaped. The crown will strengthen and improve the look of the natural tooth without having to remove it entirely.

Dental Implant vs Crown: Which Do You Need?

Dental implants and crowns are both options for tooth restoration. However, they are not interchangeable. Here are the biggest differences between implants and crowns to help you decide which is right for your needs.

Dental Crowns Are More Affordable

Dental crowns only consist of the enamel-like shell that fits over the natural tooth. They are much less expensive than implants, which consist of three components.

Dental Implants Replace the Tooth Root

If you need to replace a severely damaged or missing tooth, an implant is the best option. Crowns are only suitable if the tooth root is still intact.

Dental Crowns Take Less Time

Dental crowns can be placed in one to two visits to the dentist. The dental implant process, on the other hand, can take six months or longer.

Dental Implants Last Longer

If you take care of your implant well, you can expect it to last for 30 years or longer- meanwhile, dental crowns only last ten to 15 years before needing replacement.

Discover More Dental Treatment Options

The difference between a dental implant vs crown mainly comes down to whether your tooth root is still in place. If it is, a crown is the more affordable and less time-consuming, though slightly less durable, choice. If not, an implant is the only option for you.

Are you looking for more advice on choosing the right dental treatments? We have more articles where this one came from. Keep checking back every day for the information you’ve been searching for.

The post Dental Implant vs Crown: Which Option is Best for Your Oral Health? first appeared on I Need Medic.