Is A Tooth Implant The Same As A Dental Crown?

tooth implants and crowns Missoula

What’s the difference between a dental implant and a crown? The relationship between the two can be confusing. At Felton Dental Care in Missoula, the two can be combined in one procedure. And both can be used with other dental restorations.

So let’s clear things up.

1. A dental implant can work as a foundation for a crown.

A complete tooth implant/crown procedure includes a strong metal post (artificial root), abutment (connecting piece), and a crown.

2. A crown can be used to protect a damaged tooth.

Removing cavities 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 scenarios. 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 removed, 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 problems with this type of restoration? You are correct. A dental implant makes much more sense for most patients.

At Felton Dental Care in Missoula, we offer dental implants and crowns, and a wide range of general and family dentistry procedures. Schedule your next checkup with us today.

Contact Felton Dental Care – Dr. Brett R. Felton, DMD:

406-728-0896

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1750 Brooks St
Missoula, Montana
59801

ArticleID 8099
NagiosCheckValue - Do not remove please