3 Reasons to Have a Dental Implant Rather Than a Crown

If you have a problem with a tooth, then your dentist might talk to you about the pros and cons of dental implants or crowns. While crowns can effectively fix some problems, implants are sometimes a better choice. When might an implant be a better solution? 

1. You Need to Fill a Gap

Crowns can help you manage some dental problems. For example, they can cover and protect some types of damage. They are also often used as part of a root canal procedure.

However, you can only have a crown fitted onto an existing tooth. If you have an existing gap, then a crown won't be a suitable fix. Plus, if your problem tooth is weak or badly damaged, then your dentist might recommend an extraction to avoid further problems with the tooth, such as recurring infections.

If you need to fill a gap, then an implant is a better solution. Implants attach to bone in your jaw, so you don't need to use a tooth as an anchor.

2. The Tooth Has Had a Lot of Treatment

Crowns need support. If the tooth you want to crown is relatively strong and healthy, then this isn't a problem. However, if the tooth has had some treatment in the past, then a crown might not be a sensible long-term solution.

For example, root-filled teeth might get future infections. Heavily filled teeth might not have enough strength to support a crown. Your dentist might be concerned about how long the tooth can hold a crown before it breaks down.

A tooth implant gives you a fresh start. You can remove the problem tooth and replace it with a permanent implant.

3. You Want a Permanent Fix

Crowning a tooth doesn't fix all of its problems. Crowns do leave some gaps. If decay or an infection builds in these spaces on an already compromised tooth, then you'll need further treatment. This adds to your long-term costs and time spent in your dentist's chair.

Plus, the crown itself won't last forever. Even if you manage to avoid breaking it, it will need to be replaced a few years down the line. If its underlying tooth has too many problems, then you won't be able to crown it again but might have to look at an implant in the future.

Dental implants give you an early permanent fix. As long as you look after your implant tooth, it shouldn't need any future treatment. You won't have recurring long-term treatment costs.

To find out more about implants, ask your dentist for advice.

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