The Difference Between Regular Crowns and Implant-Retained Crowns

The word “crown” gets used a lot in dentistry. It can refer to the top portion of a tooth (everything above the gumline). It can also be used to refer to restorative treatments, including both regular dental crowns in Van Nuys and implant-retained crowns. Let’s talk about the difference between these two types of crowns and how each may play a role in helping you enjoy sound oral health.

Regular Dental Crowns

A regular dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that gets placed over the entire visible portion of a tooth. Usually, dental crowns are used to strengthen a damaged tooth, thereby restoring its function, renewing its appearance, and perhaps saving it from extraction. For example, dentists usually recommend a crown after root canal therapy to protect the treated tooth. A crown might also be used to strength a decayed tooth or protect a cracked tooth.

Regular crowns can also be used as part of a dental bridge. A traditional bridge has a crown on each end, which get placed on the teeth that are adjacent to the site of a missing tooth. The crowns support an artificial tooth, called a pontic, between them.

Implant-Retained Crowns

The main purpose of an implant-retained crown is to replace a missing tooth. Instead of getting fitted over an existing natural tooth, an implant crown is fixed to the top of a dental implant. (A dental implant in Van Nuys is a prosthetic tooth root that is surgically placed beneath the gumline.)

If you have a single missing tooth, it is likely that your dentist will recommend an implant-retained crown rather than a bridge. That’s because in order to place regular crowns, it is necessary to modify the teeth that will support them by removing some of their enamel. A dental implant is self-supporting, so it allows the nearby natural teeth to remain intact.

Exploring Your Restorative Options

If you believe that you could benefit from restorative dental care, schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist. After they assess the state of your teeth, they will design a treatment plan. If your natural teeth are damaged but not to the point where they need to be extracted, you may receive one or more regular crowns. On the other hand, if you have a missing tooth or a severely damaged tooth, your dentist may tell you that a dental implant and implant-retained crown would be the best way to get your oral health back on track.

Regular dental crowns and implant-retained crowns can both play a role in restoring your smile’s strength and beauty! Your dentist will be pleased to help you learn more about these remarkable treatments.

Meet the Practice

The three dentists and specialists at The Dental Smile Center are proud to offer a broad range of restorative treatments, including both regular dental crowns and start to finish dental implant care. If you would like to learn how our experts can help you to enjoy a healthy and strong smile, contact us at 818-780-9700.