Keeping up with all of the latest dental terminology, technology, and dental procedures can get a bit confusing at times if you are not a dentist or a medical professional. When some terms are used interchangeably, it can leave people confused as to what type of dental treatment they are getting. Knowledge is power, so doing research before a procedure or asking your dentist questions so you feel prepared and not blindsighted when in the dentist chair, will leave you feeling like a dental expert in the end.
One of the most common dental topics that people are often confused about is whether or not a dental crown and a dental implant are the same or different. Both terms seem to frequently be used as one and the same, making it hard to understand the difference between the two. Dental crowns and dental implants are two different dental materials used to fix teeth that are decayed, chipped, cracked, discolored, or even missing. However, while the dental crown is different, and not actually part of a dental implant, it is an essential part of the patient’s treatment, because one without the other would leave the patient toothless. Here is what you need to know about the difference between dental crowns and dental implants:
What is a Dental Implant?
If you lose one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, an accident, or any other cause, there is hope with dental implants. If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may notice a difference in chewing and speaking. Dental implants are what they call prosthetic roots, which are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as the tooth root, and are designed to function the same way that a root of your natural teeth usually would. A dental implant can help restore your smile to a beautiful one. Essentially, a dental implant can replace missing or severely damaged teeth.
What is a Dental Crown?
If your teeth are becoming weak or are slowly deteriorating, due to gum disease (periodontal disease), tooth decay, tooth fracture, or other factors, your dentist can help by placing a crown over the damaged tooth.
Since crowns cover the entire surface of the tooth above the gum lines, they protect the tooth from additional wear and tear caused by biting or chewing. Placed above the gum line, a crown is an artificial tooth most commonly made from porcelain that is fused to metal, then placed completely around the damaged or decayed tooth. Technology has made it possible for the porcelain of the crown to be color-matched to resemble the shade of your other normal teeth, alongside the one being restored. A crown will restore your confidence and give you a reason to smile again.
To learn more about the difference between a dental crown and dental implant, call Hagerman Dental Care at (651) 646-2392 or use our online form to request an appointment.