A surprising one in four adults aged 20 to 64 have a cavity, which is a tooth decay that causes severe infection when left untreated.1 Luckily, various treatment options help repair the tooth, restore function, and prevent further infection from occurring, two of them being a dental crown and dental implant if the tooth needs to be extracted. As a family dentist practice in Webster, we’re here to help you determine which type of crown is the best fit for you.
What Are Dental Crowns and Why Are They Necessary?
Dental crowns are small caps that resemble a natural tooth crown, typically made from porcelain, zirconia, metal, or resin. They are responsible for covering part of a natural tooth with the hopes of restoring its function, appearance, strength, and overall health. Dentists will use dental crowns in cases of more severe tooth damages or decay, including:
- Severe tooth decay from cavities
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Covering a large dental filling
In general, a dentist will utilize a dental crown in cases where there is more severe damage and decay. On the other hand, a simple dental filling works for milder cavities.
What is the Dental Crown Placement Process?
The dental crown placement process is relatively simple and hassle-free. The procedure typically occurs over two visits with a trusted family dentist in Webster. Placing a crown involves the following steps:
- In cases of dental cavities, a dentist will start by cleaning, filling, and in some cases, performing a root canal treatment to prepare the tooth for the crown properly.
- Before placing a dental crown in the first appointment, a dentist will take an impression of the original tooth to ensure the crown is a secure and comfortable fit.
- After an impression is taken, patients will be fitted with a temporary crown while a permanent one is created in a dental lab.
- In the second appointment, a patient will return to be fitted with the permanent crown, a procedure that involves cementing it atop the remaining tooth.
Dental Crowns vs Crowns Over Implant: What’s the Difference?
In some cases, opting for a dental crown over implant is a more viable option than a typical dental crown. A dental crown simply caps the top of an existing tooth. Conversely, an implant procedure sees the entire tooth root removed and replaced with a titanium post and crown on top.
One benefit of choosing an implant crown over a dental crown includes:
- Very Strong and Durable: Dental implants come with an impressive 90-98% success rate even ten years after installation,2 making them a great long-term solution. You will need to replace dental crowns more often – typically every seven to 10 years.
Conversely, some of the downsides of an implant crown over a dental crown are:
- More Intensive Surgery: Because a dental implant requires more intensive surgery and needs ample jawbone for attaching the post, some health conditions prevent patients from being viable candidates for this procedure. Dental crown installations are less invasive than dental implants.
- Expensive: Dental crowns are less expensive than an implant crown, as dental implants can cost thousands of dollars for a single tooth replacement.
Empire Dental Care: Top-Quality Dental Services in Webster
The choice between a regular crown or crown over implant depends on your specific clinical situation. In most cases, a crown over implant will be needed if the tooth cannot be saved. Whether it’s placing a traditional dental crown or fitting one on top of an implant placed by a periodontist, Dr. Cohen of Empire Dental Care is here to help you.
To schedule your first appointment for dental services in Webster, give us a call at 585.671.1650 or contact us online.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/cavities/index.html
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/
