I have a choice between a crown lengthening or dental implant? which one is better?

As I understand...: As I understand it a crown lengthening is using your OWN ROOT and whats left of the top of your tooth to place a top or crown on whereas an implant would involve extraction of the root and an implantation of a "new" root and tooth. I would vote for the former HOPE THIS HELPS DR Z

Implant: If the tooth also has already had a root canal, for myself I would have the implant. If the tooth has already had a failed post and crown I would definitely have the implant. Are implants a sure thing? No. But a tooth needing crown lengthening is already a compromised situation. Implants are now very routine and predictable.

Implant: The crown lengthening is utilized to expose more of the tooth so that the crown can finish on solid tooth, at or just below the gumline. Crown lengthening removes valuable bone height, and weakens the support by increasing the crown/root ratio. Unless a medical condition exists contraindicating the implant, go for it.

See Prosthodontist: see a specialist for this - the Prosthodontist. Get exam and treatment options. Without seeing you or your x-ray images and photos, I cannot say. However , typically for longest term success the implant is the way to go. But -- get checked. These are very different options. Good luck.