Dental implant or crown: what is the difference?

A crown and a dental implant do different jobs. A crown can cover a natural tooth that is still suitable for restoration. An implant replaces a missing tooth root and supports a replacement tooth, which may itself be a crown. The first question is whether your own tooth can be kept.

When can a crown help?

A crown fits over a prepared tooth to restore its shape and function. Your dentist may suggest one for a broken or heavily restored tooth, including some teeth that have had root canal treatment. They need to check that the remaining tooth and its supporting tissues are suitable before recommending it.

If the tooth has been removed, a crown alone cannot fill the gap: it needs support from a tooth or an implant. The NHS guide to dental treatments explains how crowns, bridges and implants are used.

When might an implant be considered?

An implant is placed in the jawbone to support a crown, bridge or denture. It may be an option when a tooth is missing or cannot be saved. Your dentist will assess your oral health, the available bone and factors that could affect healing.

Implants are not suitable for everyone. Alternatives may include a bridge or a removable denture; a partial denture can replace one or more teeth. Ask about the benefits and disadvantages of each option, including whether the space needs to be restored in your circumstances.

What does treatment involve?

For a crown on a natural tooth, the dentist prepares the tooth and takes an impression or digital scan. A temporary crown may be needed while the final restoration is made. The number of appointments depends on the tooth, the material and how the crown is produced.

Implant treatment involves surgery and time for healing. Treatment often takes several months, and may take longer if bone grafting or other preparation is needed. The timing of a temporary tooth and the final restoration depends on the treatment plan; they are not fitted on the same schedule for every patient. Leeds Teaching Hospitals explains the stages of implant treatment.

Both options need ongoing cleaning and review. A restored tooth can still develop problems, and the tissues around an implant also need care.

What will it cost?

At Medical-Dent, the listed fee for a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown on a natural tooth is £500. This is one type of crown, not a price for every crown or a complete implant restoration. See our crown and bridge fees and implant fees for the current listings.

Ask for an itemised plan covering any preparatory treatment, the restoration and follow-up care. For implant treatment, the implant, connecting abutment and crown are distinct components; the abutment is not included in the listed implant or crown fee.

If you are considering finance, read the practice’s current finance information and eligibility conditions. To discuss which treatment could suit your tooth, contact us.