Having a missing tooth, or teeth, is not only a cosmetic concern that you wish you can hide. Over time it can affect the way you bite, your ability to chew food comfortably, and impact the health of the bone structure and gums in that area.
When researching solutions, you may come across two terms that are often used interchangeably as if they mean the same thing: single crown and single implant. The truth is, the dental restoration solutions discussed here refer to different parts of a treatment used to replace missing teeth. One term is used to describe the foundation placed in the jaw, and the other term is used to describe the visible tooth that restores your smile.
Before choosing a path forward to restore a missing tooth, it helps to understand how these two pieces work together and what that will mean for your oral care. In this article, we will discuss the difference in plain terms, from the perspective of a dentist.
Single crown vs single implant, the practical difference
A single implant is the replacement root. It is a titanium post placed in the jawbone for support of the crown. After healing, it becomes a solid, stable anchor.
A single crown is the visible tooth shaped restoration that you can see. Crowns are custom made to match your existing bite and tooth hue. When a tooth is totally missing, the crown is attached to the implant with a connector. However, when a tooth is still present but has become weakened, a crown is anchored by the existing natural tooth instead.
To further clarify, the implant is used for the purpose of support under the gumline, while the crown is the tooth that is visible above the gumline. Confusion related to these terms is a result of many people saying “implant” when they really mean the entire replacement tooth. Though, in the dentistry field, we, professionals, separate the parts so you understand the steps and timeline associated with this restoration solution.
Why Implants Are So Popular
A bridge or removable appliance can be appropriate when looking for a tooth restoration solution, but dental implants offer other advantages many patients value. They can feel very natural when you’re chewing. Since the implant is anchored in the bone, rather than removable like a bridge, it can help reduce bone shrinkage in the area of the missing tooth that often follows tooth loss. Dental implants help you avoid reshaping neighboring teeth, which is often necessary for a dental bridge.
Remember this important point: candidacy matters. If you suffer from a medical condition like
- diabetes that isn’t under control
- untreated or even active gum disease
- smoking of any substance
can affect healing. This is why we carefully review each patient’s medical history, along with capturing x-ray images before we commit to a plan.
Tooth decay in kids and adults, and why it matters
Tooth decay in kids and adults is often a common reason for tooth crowns. Just like an adult who is replacing a missing tooth, our dental staff will take time to assess your overall health to determine the best course of action for restoration.
Are CEREC crowns good
Cerec crowns are a good option for many patients because this type of dental crown often allows dental teams to design a custom solution with just one office visit. Each crown must be made taking into consideration factors like, tooth location, bite forces, and cosmetic goals.
When to visit a family dentistry office in Harrisburg, NC
If you are at the point in your tooth restoration journey when you are comparing dental provider options, the next step is essentially an exam and a conversation with a qualified practitioner. At Icard & Strein Family Dentistry, we are available for that conversation when you’re ready to make an appointment. During your visit, we will evaluate your bite, gum health, and the condition of adjacent teeth. This evaluation will allow us to learn more in order to explain the pros and cons of each path.
