Is it better to get a porcelain crown or a dental implant when a tooth is missing?
Generally speaking, "porcelain" refers to porcelain teeth, and "implant" refers to dental implants. When a tooth is missing, choosing between a porcelain bridge and a dental implant depends on the patient's specific circumstances. A porcelain bridge may be chosen for a quicker restoration, while a dental implant may be selected for a more stable and long-lasting result. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:
When a tooth is missing and the adjacent teeth are healthy, and the patient wishes to avoid surgery or complete the restoration quickly, a porcelain bridge can be a suitable option. A porcelain bridge involves preparing the adjacent healthy teeth by reducing their size to support a porcelain bridge, which restores the missing tooth. Its advantages include good aesthetics and a relatively simple restoration process. However, it relies on the support of adjacent teeth and may cause some damage to them.
When a tooth is missing and the patient desires a more stable and durable restoration, and if the oral health condition is good with sufficient bone volume and quality to support an implant, a dental implant would be a better choice. Dental implants involve surgically placing an artificial tooth root into the jawbone, followed by attaching an artificial crown to replace the missing tooth. Implants offer good stability, resemble natural teeth, and do not damage adjacent teeth. However, implants require surgery, are relatively more expensive, and involve a healing period.
Patients are advised to consult thoroughly with their dentist and undergo an evaluation to choose the most suitable restoration option for themselves.