Both dental crowns and implants are common procedures designed to restore oral health and appearance, but they serve distinct purposes. This article clarifies their specific roles, explaining what each entails and how they sometimes work together.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. Crowns restore a tooth’s original shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are often recommended when a tooth is significantly damaged or weakened. For example, a crown can protect a weak tooth from breaking, restore a broken or worn-down tooth, or cover a tooth after a root canal procedure.
Crowns also serve cosmetic purposes, such as covering discolored or misshapen teeth. They are typically made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, chosen based on durability, aesthetics, and location in the mouth. The process involves preparing the existing tooth by removing a small amount of enamel, then bonding the custom-made crown into place.
Understanding Dental Implants
A dental implant is a surgical component designed to interface with the jawbone. Its primary function is to replace the root of a missing tooth, providing a stable foundation. Implants are small, threaded posts, commonly made of titanium, which is biocompatible. This material allows the implant to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, creating a strong and lasting anchor.
A dental implant system consists of three main parts: the implant post, which is surgically placed into the jawbone; an abutment, a connector piece that screws into the implant post and extends above the gum line; and the final restoration, which is attached to the abutment. This restoration can be a single crown, a dental bridge, or a denture, depending on the number of teeth being replaced.
The Relationship Between Crowns and Implants
Dental crowns and dental implants are distinct components in restorative dentistry, yet they frequently work together for missing teeth. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth’s root structure within the jawbone, acting as a stable anchor. The crown is the visible, tooth-shaped restoration placed on top of the implant’s abutment. A crown is not an implant; it is often the final part of an implant restoration system.
An implant provides stability in the jawbone, preventing bone loss after a tooth is lost. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, the abutment is attached, and the custom-made crown is secured to this abutment, either by cement or a screw. The crown restores chewing function and aesthetic appearance, blending seamlessly with natural teeth. While a crown can be placed on a natural tooth, an implant always requires a restoration, such as a crown, to complete the tooth replacement.