Is a crown really necessary when getting an implant? Over the years, advances in dental technology have made it possible to restore teeth that were once thought to be impossible to repair. With the help of same-day crowns, implants, and other dental restorations, patients now can have their missing teeth replaced by artificial counterparts that not only look like their natural teeth but also function like them. But are dental crowns really necessary? This common dental procedure isn’t for everyone — certainly not before consulting a dentist first. If you’re wondering if you should get a crown or not, here are some things to consider.
What Is a Crown?
A crown is a custom-made artificial tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a healthy one. It’s an option for individuals with severe tooth loss and advanced gum disease who can’t receive a root canal or dental implant. Unlike a bridge or a denture, a crown covers the entire tooth, including the root. When the tooth is healthy, its structure is made up of the crown’s outer layer (the “enamel”), inner layer (the “gingival” tissue), and supporting structures (“periodontal ligament” and “fibrous tissue”). When the mouth is under stress, such as tooth decay, the outer layer of teeth is worn away, exposing the inner layer. In a crown, a dentist fabricates a custom-fitted restoration that is bonded to the tooth’s surface and then crown-colored. The crown can be made of a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, composite, or a combination of materials.
What Is an Implant?
A dental implant is a tooth root replacement that is surgically placed into the bone of the jaw. The implant replaces the root of a missing tooth — not the top or the bottom — so that the patient can eat, speak and chew normally. The success of an implant depends on how well the person’s jawbone has been “re-scheduled” to accept the implant. The jawbone has a large blood supply and is very vascular, which means that it is capable of healing very well and re-growing to a high degree. The implant is made of titanium, the same material used in orthopedic implants. After being manufactured, the implant is placed under normal anesthetic in a dental office under the supervision of a medical team member and a dentist. The implant is a very small and very precise piece of technology, so it is critical that it is placed in the correct place. The implant is then screwed into place.
Should You Get a Crown Before an Implant?
Some patients choose to get a crown before an implant to save money. In this scenario, the crown is made and installed prior to the placement of the implant. The crown covers the tooth for the time being and replaces some of the tooth’s lost structure. Then, a few years later, when the patient is prepared for the implant, the crown is easily removed and the implant is placed. This approach has some advantages. First, it can be done on an extracted tooth, which means less discomfort and a quicker recovery time. Second, the cost of an implant may be higher in some settings, such as private pay or Medicaid, than in others. With this in mind, if you choose this route, be sure the implant is affordable so that you can afford it. The implant may be covered under your health insurance or through a government program. Also, be sure that you are ready for the implant and that you can afford it.
When Should You Get a Tooth Replaced by an Implant?
Some patients choose to get an implant before a crown if their tooth is severely decayed or if the tooth has a large cavity that won’t be able to be filled with a crown. An implant can also be used to replace teeth that have been highly damaged and cannot be saved. In this scenario, the implant is used to stabilize the tooth so that the patient can eat and speak without the need for major surgery. Because implants are so effective at restoring function, this approach is often used for teeth with cavities or very badly damaged enamel.
When Should You Get a Tooth Replaced by a Crown?
A crown is an option for patients who need a more complex tooth restoration than a simple implant. A patient who has suffered some tooth loss, such as a broken tooth, might choose to get a crown over an implant because the restoration would be more aesthetically pleasing and because the patient would not have a long recovery period. A patient with advanced gum disease might also choose a crown over an implant because the restoration would cover the diseased portion of the tooth and be less likely to fail long term. If you have a crown, you can eat and drink whatever you want but the crown will prevent decay from entering the root canal. Eventually, though, the crown will be worn down and need to be replaced.
Warranty and Reparability Information
Many dental insurance providers require patients to choose a dental material, such as metal crowns, porcelain crowns, or composite crowns. Some insurers will reimburse patients for a re-installation of a worn-out crown. However, other plans may not require you to choose a dental material when you get dental insurance. In this case, you are free to choose based on price and aesthetics. Be sure you understand the limitations and benefits of each dental material before making your final decision. When you get a crown, make sure you understand what the warranty covers and what would require a re-installation. If you are required to re-install a crown, you will have to plan for the additional time and cost.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, a crown is a custom-made artificial tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a healthy one. A crown can be made of a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, composite, or a combination of materials. A crown covers the entire tooth, including the root. When the mouth is under stress, such as tooth decay, the outer layer of teeth is worn away, exposing the inner layer. That’s when a crown can help. A crown can be an affordable, long-lasting solution to tooth loss. But it is not for everyone.
