Your natural teeth may be strong, but they don’t necessarily hold their shape forever. Injury, tooth decay, and crowding can leave you with impartial or missing teeth. Fortunately, modern dental crowns and tooth implants are excellent ways to restore your smile. If you’re in need of restorative dentistry, BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, is here to detail the differences between these two options—and when you might benefit from them.

Your Guide to Crowns & Tooth Implants

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a customized cap—usually made from porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two—that is molded and colored to fit your natural smile. Crowns are placed on top of a tooth and bonded to restore the full integrity of your bite. With the proper care, these prosthetics can last for 15 years or more.

When Should You Get a Crown?

Dental crowns are used for many different purposes in situations where the appearance or structure of a tooth may be compromised. For example, if you’ve had a root canal procedure that minimized the size of your tooth, your dentist may place a crown on top. These applications are also used when you need to repair a broken tooth or have a weakened one that needs additional support to prevent cracking.

What Is a Tooth Implant?

A tooth implant is used to entirely replace a tooth and help protect the jaw from bone loss. The actual implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the gum tissue through the original socket. In a few weeks’ time, the post fuses with the jawbone, and the tissue heals. At this point, your dentist will place a false tooth onto the post. These prosthetic teeth are composed in the same fashion as a crown and can last a lifetime with the proper care.

When Should You Get a Tooth Implant?

Implants are the best solution for individuals who have missing teeth and want to prevent the surrounding ones from shifting. Many times, a dentist will recommend an implant after an extraction.

Standard implants require patients to have healthy jaws, but those who may be missing bone can sometimes opt for an adjusted prosthetic that only needs to sit beneath the gum tissue.

Whether you have a missing, broken, or decayed tooth, it’s essential to visit a dentist right away to determine how to best restore the appearance and functionality of your bite. Offering comprehensive dentistry services in Kodiak, AK, BridgeView Dental Group can provide patients on the island with beautiful and resilient tooth implants and crowns. If these options aren’t ideal, this dental team can also help you explore other restorative and cosmetic procedures to fit your needs. To schedule an appointment to discuss possible solutions, contact this friendly clinic at (907) 486-3257.