How do i tell if i need a crown lenghtening or implant?

You personally can't: This decision is at the descretion of your treating dentist. And that decision is based on a number of factors, including your bite, length of teeth, bruxism, amount of bone, general medical health, condition of the tooth in question, etc, etc. There often is not one right or wrong answer, but rather a professional opinion. Get a second opinion if you are questioning the first.

Consultations: I agree with dr. Davantzis. There are many factors. I'd like to weigh in to say that look at the costs as well. I personally would not recommend in most cases with the advancement of implants. There are many factors that would change my mind and many things that dr. Davantzis mentioned play a large factor. Get some opinions from your dentist and a periodontist or oral surgeon. Good luck!

Your dentist: When you visit your dentist he will refer you to an oral surgeon or a periodontist and they will determine if the tooth can be saved with a crown lenghtening and a crown or if it needs to be remove and an implant placed.

Depends: Depends how much root is left in the bone following the crown lengthening procedure. Also if a root canal and a post and core has been performed. The more heroic procedures done the more fragile the tooth becomes. Each case must be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Second Opinons: Without xrays or exam it's hard to tell, so you should get various opinions. If the root is long enough and you have sufficient bone and it is an experienced practitioner and he/she says the prognosis is good, i then would recommend crown lengthening.

Crown to root ratio!: Many issues may impact on you decision. How much root will remain below the bone vs how much crown will reside above it to cause forces of leverage to loosen it. Even after more root exposed, is its surface completely flossable? Are furcations "dips" cleansable? An average crown lasts 8 years, a compromised one much less. Implants have a far better prognosis. What would your dds get?

You cannot: A dentist needs to evaluate the strength of the remaining tooth, the shape of the remaing tooth and how much more tooth needs to be exposed through crown lengthening. I hope this helps.

You Can't: You can't, but your dentist can. Crown lengthening would be needed if you don't have enough biologic width. A dental implant would be needed if you chose to have an implant to replace one or more missing teeth.

Need an exam: crown lengthening is when you determine the tooth needs support for a crown to protect the tooth. Implant is when the tooth needs to get extracted and implant placed. The dentist has to check if the tooth needs work or can not be restored, then the implant would be the option to chosse.