What’s the difference between a dental implant and a crown? It can be confusing. They can be combined in one procedure. And both can be used with other dental restorations. At St. Mary’s Dental in Mechanicsville, we’re using this space to explain the difference.
1. A dental implant can serve as a foundation for a crown.
A complete dental implant/crown procedure consists of a strong metal post (artificial root), abutment (connecting piece), and a crown.
2. A crown can be used to protect a damaged tooth.
Removing tooth decay weakens the tooth. Once the decay is removed, a filling may not be enough to restore necessary strength. Likewise, after a root canal procedure, the remaining tooth may need strengthening. A crown may be used in both of these circumstances. A strong, natural looking crown protects the remaining tooth and functions like a natural tooth
3. A crown can be attached to a dental bridge.
When a tooth has been extracted, a dental bridge may be used to restore part of it. The reason we say ‘part’ is because a dental bridge does not restore the root of the tooth. A crown can be attached to a dental bridge to restore the visible part of the missing tooth. A dental bridge used to replace one tooth requires the removal of tooth structure from adjacent teeth. With a bridge, it warrants three crowns to replace one missing tooth!
Do you think there can be issues with this type of restoration? You are correct. A dental implant makes much more sense for most patients. Talk to St. Mary’s Dental in Mechanicsville for more specifics. Our services also include a full range of general and family dentistry. Call today!
Contact St. Mary’s Dental:
301-884-3248
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
28169 Old Village Rd
Mechanicsville, Maryland
20659
