The Difference Between Crowns and Dental Implants

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way over the years. There are now some truly great options available for creating a smile that you will love. Whitening and straightening teeth has never been easier, and neither has replacing lost or severely damaged teeth.

Damaged or lost teeth can be covered or replaced with the help of crowns and dental implants. They are both helpful and efficient options that make your smile look complete again. However, there are some differences between the two procedures and one might be better than the other depending on the situation. You can get both dental implants and crowns in Dulles VA with a referral from your family dentist or after a consultation.

The Advantages of Crowns

Dental crowns are a great and long term solution for a variety of teeth problems. They are generally meant to go over a tooth that is still there, but it is worn down or severely damaged. The idea is that they cover the tooth and protect it from further damage. Teeth that are badly cracked, severely worn down, or have just undergone a root canal can benefit from a crown.

Some advantages of using a crown are that they can last up to 15 years and they give the illusion of a healthy, full tooth. They provide both cosmetic and functional uses and are a successful way to deal with teeth that are damaged beyond repair.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants are essentially screws that bond with your jawbone and are used to hold a crown in place. However, crowns don’t always require them. Implants are only used when a tooth is missing and needs to be fully replaced.

One of the greatest advantages of this method is that a well cared for implant can last you forever. It becomes like a new tooth and as long as you look after it, you won’t have to replace it. They are also very durable like a normal tooth, so you can chew without worrying about something breaking or coming loose. They are the closest thing you can get to putting in a brand new tooth in place of the one that you lost.

Which Do You Need?

When looking for a place to get dental implants or crowns in Dulles VA, it helps if you know which one you need to get. Generally, you will only need a crown if the tooth you are replacing is still present but is damaged. An implant comes in handy when a tooth has been removed and needs to be fully replaced. Also, you will always need a crown when getting an implant, but you won’t always need an implant when getting a crown.

You can get both dental implants and crowns in Dulles VA by visiting your family dentist and getting a referral for the procedure. You can also reach out to your cosmetic dentist about scheduling a consultation. They can inform you about which tooth replacement will be best for you and schedule you an appointment to have the work done.