I’ve got a tooth which has been nothing but trouble. First, it needed a filling. Then the tooth got worse and needed a root canal treatment. Now I’m told I’ll need a crown. My husband thinks I should just be done with this tooth and get a tooth replacement. I’ve looked it up and dental implants seem to be the best replacement. Is that a better idea for me than a dental crown?
Patsy M.
Dear Patsy,
While some dentists differ on this, most feel it’s always better to retain as much natural tooth structure as possible. In your place, I’d get the dental crown. Don’t put it off too long because the nub of your tooth will get brittle. Eventually, it can crumble. If for some reason, the tooth fails even after the crown, you still have the option of getting the dental implant. But, at least you’ll know you did everything you could to save the tooth.
However, if you’re determined not to deal with the tooth anymore, then yes, dental implants are the ideal replacement. They’re like having a healthy, natural tooth again. However, it will require surgery, so carefully weigh your options.
Dental implants do have a high success rate, especially if you go to a dentist with a lot of experience placing them. Another thing to bear in mind, regardless of which procedure you go with, is the cosmetic skills of the dentist you go to. It won’t do any good to have a tooth replacement if it doesn’t look like a natural tooth.
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