Is implant or crown lengthening better?

Ultimately implant: Crown lengthening is less expensive in the short run, but an implant will be better in the long run. After crown lengthening, there is a change in the crown/root ratio, making the tooth a bit weaker. Implants that are placed into extraction sites are typically longer than the extracted tooth, making them more secure.

Preserving Teeth: If there's a good amount of structure left that can be saved through crown lengthening, should be the 1st choice. It cannot be rejected by the body because it belongs to you- so it is biocompatible. Your clinician can evaluate somehow the prognosis based on the x-rays and clinical exam what is the best for you. If the remaining structure have almost only root left, implant is the choice.

Expectations ?: Crown lengthening is a procedure performed to increase the clinical crown of a tooth so that a proper fitting crown can fit over top. This procedure involves removing bone around the tooth. The long term prognosis is fair at best. If the tooth has had prior root canal treatment, and unless you have a desire to keep this tooth as long as possible, i believe the implant would serve you the best.

Many variables: Need more info. In general, the implant is the better choice for longevity and bone preservation. With the implant you are not reducing the bone and are not subject to periodontal disease (as such). With the crown lengthening you are removing bone. There are specific indications for both. See the Prosthodontist for evaluation and option recommendations. Good Luck.

No difference: With the improvements in surgical techniques and the proven effectiveness and predictability of dental implants, the line between when to crown lengthen and when to extract and place an implant has become more and more indistinct. Ask your dentist for your individual case.