If your teeth are heavily damaged or missing, you have several options to repair or replace them. Two of these restorative dental procedures are dental implants and crowns. While there is some overlap in their applications, each one is a distinct procedure with unique benefits.

Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped porcelain cap which goes over a damaged tooth. It can be used to protect the tooth after a root canal or to strengthen one that has been weakened or cracked by decay or injury. Crowns can also be used to anchor the ends of a bridge by connecting the false teeth to strong, healthy molars.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a more direct replacement for a missing tooth. During this procedure, a small metal post is implanted into your jawbone, where the roots of the missing tooth used to be. Once the bone has had a chance to grow around the post, it is topped with a crown of its own to create a new replacement tooth.

Which Is Right for You?

If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist is the best person to tell you whether or not it can be saved. As much as possible, your provider will try to repair the tooth with fillings or crowns rather than remove it. However, if the tooth has to be removed or if there is already a gap in your smile, you’ll likely have a choice between a crown-supported dental bridge or a dental implant. Dental implants are the sturdiest option and are beneficial for the health of your jawbone, but they are more expensive than most other restorative work. Crowns are inexpensive and create strong, realistic caps for damaged teeth, but they may require modification of the healthy teeth near the gap. Each approach has benefits and drawbacks, so ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your needs and dentist’s recommendation.

If you have damaged or missing teeth and need crowns or dental implants, consult with Chinook Family Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. For over 35 years, they have served the Anchorage community, providing quality dental care including preventive and restorative procedures for patients of all ages. To make an appointment, call (907) 272-8422, and visit their website to learn more about their services.