15 Jul Is a crown or implant better for a broken tooth?
Choosing between a crown and an implant for a broken tooth depends on various factors, including the extent of the damage, the tooth’s location, and your overall dental health, these pointers can serve as a helpful guide.
Dental Crowns and Tooth Structure:
The presence of remaining tooth structure is a pivotal consideration. Dental crowns affix to the remnants of broken teeth. Although crowns sit atop fractured teeth, they necessitate a degree of existing tooth structure for stability and strength. If a tooth is broken to or near the gumline, offering minimal tooth structure above it, supporting a dental crown becomes challenging.
Intact Roots for Dental Crowns:
Integral to dental crowns is the requirement for an intact tooth root. There are instances where teeth fracture beneath the gumline, potentially extending into the root. An X-ray can identify such root damage. An intact root provides a reliable foundation for a dental crown. However, a cracked root weakens over time, rendering dental crowns impractical.
Time Considerations for Crowns:
When sufficient tooth structure and an intact root are present, a dental crown becomes a favorable choice. Retaining the natural root contributes to a robust jawbone. Notably, dental crowns boast a swift preparation and placement timeline, typically around three weeks, involving just two dental visits. Hence, for expedited tooth restoration, provided tooth structure and root integrity are adequate, dental crowns prove advantageous.
Implants and Bone Adequacy:
Dental implants, akin to natural teeth, encompass a root – titanium in this case, a biocompatible metal. However, since titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone, ample existing bone is essential for implant accommodation. Given sufficient bone, the dental implant heals in a relatively short span.
Yet, instances of deteriorating bone due to tooth damage or decay can arise, rendering the tooth irreparable. Simultaneously, inadequate bone impedes dental implant viability. In this scenario, a bone graft becomes necessary before an implant can be placed by a prosthodontist.
Ultimately, the decision between a crown and an implant should be made in consultation with a dentist. Contact our office today and Dr.Hage will assess your specific situation, consider your oral health, and recommend the most suitable option to restore your broken tooth effectively.