In Canada, 6.4% of Canadians have no teeth. This might be a tiny portion of the population, but this means that many more have a few teeth cracked, decaying or missing.
If you're one of these people, it might be challenging to eat and speak, much less smile. But thankfully, there are ways to make up for lacking teeth, such as implants and crowns.
For answers on a dental implant vs dental crown in Guelph, keep reading. Westwood & Starwood Dental is here to provide more information.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is basically a cap that goes on top of a tooth if replacing a decayed tooth or protecting a weak tooth from breaking. They can also be attached in groups of 3 or more to create a bridge; in this case, two existing teeth serve as anchor points, and the crown in the middle replaces the missing tooth or teeth.
They're made of several different materials, from porcelain and ceramic to gold alloy. What's great about crowns is they can be pretty affordable because they take a shorter amount of time and hardware to complete than implants. Not to mention, they're great for cosmetic reasons since they look just like your natural teeth. Crowns are great for protecting your mouth after a root canal procedure. They can also be the ideal solution for people whose jaw bone is too weak for implant procedures.
One drawback that crowns have is that they have to be replaced after 10 years on average; they're not permanent solutions. They'll eventually wear out and even fall out without proper care. You need to be aware that when you get crowns put in, your existing teeth need to be filed down, this is irreversible, and the teeth might be sensitive for a few weeks after.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a more complex type of dental procedure that allows you to replace a tooth. It replicates your normal tooth in that it has a "root" (the implant itself, or screw), an abutment (connecting piece), and the fake tooth on top (which is actually a crown).
The greatest benefit you'll get from dental implants is that it's permanent. You might need to replace the crown on top from time to time, but the abutment and implant are there to stay.
However, implants can take more time to perform, plus you need to go through a recovery period.
Also, not every single patient is a good candidate. If you don't have good jawbone health, you might need a bone graft first. You also need to be in good health to get a dental implant, as it is a surgery.
Because of this, implants are more expensive than just getting a crown. It's more expensive upfront, but in the long run, implants can be more cost-efficient since they are permanent.
Choose Between a Dental Implant or Dental Crown in Guelph
Depending on the condition of your teeth and what you'd like to achieve, either a dental implant or crown can be a good solution. The most important thing is to discuss with your dentist what you'd like and what is possible in your specific condition and move forward from there.
If you'd like a dental implant or dental crown in Guelph, make an appointment today at Westwood & Starwood Dental, our dentists will be able to give you expert advice.