Crown or Implant? When It Is Best to Let a Tooth Go

Generallyspeaking, it is always best to save your real tooth if possible.If your tooth becomes damaged or badly decayed, in many instances it can besaved with a root canal and a dental crown.

A root canal may be necessary to save your tooth ifthe nerve becomes damaged. In this procedure, your tooth’s damaged nerve andpulp are removed, and your tooth is cleaned and sealed. A root canal will preventyour tooth from becoming infected and abscessed.

Dental crowns

A dental crown may then be placed on top of yourdamaged tooth and cemented into place to protect it. Unlike fillings that coveronly a portion of your tooth, a dental crown “caps” your entire tooth,preventing it from further damage. Crowns are used when your tooth is broken ortoo badly decayed to hold a filling. Many cosmetic dental practices today use porcelaincrowns that look and feel like your natural tooth.

Some advantages of porcelain dental crowns include:

• Preserve damaged natural teeth
• Add strength to weakened or worn teeth
• An aesthetic, natural appearance
• Resistant to stains
• Improve the strength of your bite and ability to eat your favorite foods
• Good for front teeth as well as molars

If your tooth is badly infected, it may be too latefor a root canal treatment to be effective and your tooth probably won’t beable to hold a crown. If this is the case, it would be best to have theproblematic tooth pulled.

If you decide to have your tooth pulled, you shouldnot leave that space empty. If you do, your gums will begin to recede and yourother teeth will begin to shift toward that void. The result will be a misalignedbite along with difficulty chewing, eating and even talking.

Dental implants

A dental implantis a small screw that acts as the root of your tooth. It is permanently fastenedto your jaw to effectively hold in place dentures, partial dentures, or apermanent restoration such as a replacement tooth or bridge. This option isideal for anyone who is in good oral health and has lost a tooth because of anaccident, periodontal disease or other incident.

Dental implants are actually safer and better for your overalloral health than traditional bridgework, because implants do not rely onneighboring teeth for support.

Some advantages of dental implants include:

• Look, feel and function like your natural tooth
• Increased self confidence because you no longer have an empty space
• More secure than dentures or partials, giving you the ability to eat what you want
• Long lasting (most last a lifetime)
• Replaces one or multiple teeth without affecting your bordering teeth
• Provide support for dentures, making them stronger and more comfortable

If you are on a budget

If you are on a budget or do not have dentalinsurance, a crown is less expensive than a dental implant and restoration. However,if your tooth is badly decayed or too infected for a crown to stay secure, yourbest bet is to have the problematic tooth pulled now, and get a dental implantwhen you are financially able. Most cosmetic dentists offer financing options that canenable you to afford your dental work.

You can also use a temporary prosthesis, such as a“flipper” to hold the empty space while you are saving for your implant. Thisprosthesis will allow your gum to shape to the temporary tooth, maintainingyour bite and preventing the other teeth in your mouth from shifting.