When it comes to restoring a damaged or missing tooth, two of the most commonly recommended options are dental crowns and tooth implant crowns. While both serve the purpose of restoring functionality and appearance, the right choice depends on several factors — including your oral health, the condition of the affected tooth, long-term goals, and budget.
At Dental @ Niddrie Plaza, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your oral care. In this guide, we break down the key differences between implants vs crowns, explore the types of implant crowns, and discuss costs, pros, cons, and frequently asked questions — all tailored to patients in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.
Contents
A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces a missing tooth root. It’s placed into your jawbone and topped with a custom-made implant crown to restore both function and appearance. Once healed, it looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
Key Features of Dental Implants:
Designed to last 15+ years with good oral hygiene
Stimulates the jawbone to prevent bone loss
Doesn’t rely on neighbouring teeth
Offers excellent stability and chewing function
At our clinic in Niddrie, we use advanced imaging and 3D scanning tools to plan your dental implant precisely, ensuring long-term success and comfort.
A dental crown is a cap that fits over an existing tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often used after a root canal, for cracked or weakened teeth, or when there’s not enough structure left for a filling.
Crowns are typically used for:
Severely decayed or cracked teeth
Following root canal treatment
Strengthening weakened teeth
Cosmetic enhancements
Crowns are also the final step of a dental implant procedure, placed over the titanium post once healing is complete.
Common Crown Materials Include:
Porcelain
Zirconia
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)
Gold (less common in cosmetic cases)
Pros:
Extremely durable and long-lasting
Helps maintain jawbone health
Offers excellent stability and chewing ability
Doesn’t impact other teeth
Cons:
Requires a surgical procedure
Higher upfront cost
Longer treatment time due to healing phase
Not suitable for everyone (e.g. bone density may be a factor)
Pros:
Quick, minimally invasive procedure
More affordable than implants
Restores damaged teeth effectively
Cons:
Relies on the health of the natural tooth underneath
May need to be replaced after several years
Not an option if the tooth is missing completely
While both involve placing a crown, the main difference lies in what’s underneath:
| Feature | Dental Crown | Tooth Implant Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Natural tooth structure | Titanium post implanted in jawbone |
| Invasiveness | Non-surgical | Requires minor surgery |
| Longevity | 5–15 years (depends on tooth condition) | 15–25+ years |
| Function | Protects and restores existing tooth | Replaces missing tooth entirely |
| Bone preservation | No | Yes – prevents bone loss |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, long-term value |
If the tooth can be saved, a traditional crown may be the most efficient solution. If the tooth is missing or too damaged to support a crown, a dental implant is the best alternative.
There are several types of crowns used with dental implants, each offering specific benefits:
Zirconia Crowns – Very strong and natural-looking, often used for both front and back teeth
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) – Durable with a metal base for strength and a porcelain exterior for aesthetics
All-Ceramic Crowns – Ideal for front teeth due to their lifelike appearance
Gold Crowns – Very strong and long-lasting, typically used in molars (less common for cosmetic reasons)
We’ll recommend the best type of crown for your implant based on where it’s being placed and your personal preferences.
Implant crown costs vary depending on several factors, such as:
Whether you need a single or multiple implants
The type of crown chosen
Whether preparatory procedures are required (e.g. bone grafting or tooth extraction)
Your private health insurance coverage
Estimated Pricing:
Single Dental Crown (natural tooth): $1,700–$2,000
Single Tooth Implant + Crown: $5,000–$7,000
We’re proud to offer free dental implant consultations at Dental @ Niddrie Plaza. This includes an examination, X-rays (if needed), and a full explanation of your treatment options and costs — no pressure, just clear and honest advice.
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown itself may need to be replaced after 10–15 years.
Yes — if the natural tooth can be saved, a crown is usually the more affordable and faster option. Implants have a higher initial cost but may offer better long-term value.
Most patients describe it as more comfortable than expected. We use modern techniques and local anaesthetic to ensure a smooth experience.
Absolutely. If a previously crowned tooth needs to be removed, a dental implant is a great next-step solution.
No — a natural tooth must be present to support a crown. If the tooth is missing, a dental implant with a crown is the recommended solution.
Yes. While the upfront investment is higher, dental implants offer unmatched longevity, function, and bone support — making them a cost-effective solution over time.
Yes. Whether it’s a traditional crown or an implant crown, we can replace it if it becomes worn or damaged over time.
Our friendly team at Dental @ Niddrie Plaza is here to guide you through every step. Whether you’re in Niddrie, Essendon, Airport West, or any of our surrounding suburbs, we offer free consultations for dental implants to help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
Please book an appointment with us on our website or give our friendly team a call today!
Our line is open to answer your questions or assist you in arranging your dental appointments. Call us at (03) 9374 1222!
Please book an appointment with us on our website or give our friendly team a call today!
Our line is open to answer your questions or assist you in arranging your dental appointments. Call us at (03) 9374 1222!
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