Understanding The Difference Between Dental Crowns And Implants

Dental crowns and implants are two common restorative dental treatments used to repair damaged or missing teeth. While both options improve oral health, functionality, and aesthetics, they are different procedures with distinct purposes. Understanding these differences can help patients choose the most appropriate solution for their dental needs.

What are dental crowns?

A dental or crown teeth Dubai is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used when a tooth is significantly decayed, cracked, or worn down but still have enough structure to support a restoration. They are also commonly placed after a root canal to protect the weakened tooth.

Crowns are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, ceramic, and resin. The dentist shapes the tooth and then places the crown over it, bonding it securely with dental cement. The crown acts like a protective shell, reinforcing the natural tooth and allowing the patient to chew and speak normally.

While crowns can last many years with proper care, they are not a solution for missing teeth. They are best suited for restoring damaged or weakened teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike crowns, which restore existing teeth, implants replace the entire tooth structure, including the root. The implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial root. Once the implant integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration, a dental crown or prosthetic tooth is attached to the implant.

Implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss and offer several advantages. They provide excellent stability, prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone, and look and function like natural teeth. Dental implants are versatile and can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even support dentures.

However, the process of getting implants is more complex than placing crowns. It requires surgery, healing time for the implant to fuse with the bone, and several appointments over several months. Implants are also more expensive than crowns, but their long-term benefits often justify the cost.

Key differences between crowns and implants:

Purpose: Crowns are used to restore and protect damaged teeth, while implants are used to replace missing teeth entirely.

Procedure: Crowns are non-invasive and involve reshaping the tooth, whereas implants require surgical placement of a titanium post into the jawbone.

Longevity: Implants tend to last longer than crowns. While crowns need replacement after 10-15 years, implants can last a lifetime with proper care.