Dental crowns are often combined with implants to replace missing teeth. Implants are metal posts that are placed in the jaw to replace lost teeth roots, and they serve as foundations for restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures used to replace missing teeth.
Implants are commonly made with titanium, and they are meant to last the rest of a patient's life once inserted into the jaw. However, the restorations placed on implants are not as durable as they are, so they will eventually need to be replaced.
Using dental crowns to restore implants
Placing dental implants requires oral surgery, but the procedure typically only needs to be done once since implants last a lifetime. The installation procedure often involves patients being injected with a local anesthetic and an incision being made into gum tissues to reach the jawbone.
A hole is made where the implant goes with a dental drill, and the restoration is shoved inside until traction forces hold it in place. The implant fuses with bone tissues over the next six months, becoming part of the jawbone.
Once installed, dentists can cement or screw an implant crown on an abutment that is used to secure the crown to the implant. Dental crowns can last up to 20 years, and replacing them does not require any additional surgery.
The process
Patients are advised to seek dental care immediately if they notice a crown is compromised or damaged. Restoring the implant involves removing the damaged crown and cleaning the abutment. The replacement implant crown is then cemented or screwed on the implant to restore the appearance of the patient’s teeth. In some cases, the patient might have to settle for a temporary crown while a custom replacement is being made in a dental lab. The finished restoration should be ready within two weeks in such cases.
Some of the benefits of restoring implants with dental crowns include:
- Keeps the jawbone healthy: One of the main selling points of implants is how they prevent the bone tissue loss that usually occurs when teeth fall out. Implants become part of the jawbone, so they transfer bite forces into the jaw, giving bone tissues there the stimulus they need to remain healthy. Replacing a damaged implant crown ensures the implant continues to serve its role
- Provides excellent stability: Implants become part of a patient’s jaw through a process called osseointegration, and crowns placed on them enjoy virtually as much stability as real teeth. Those who opt for implants do not have to constantly worry about their artificial teeth falling out of their mouths, as is often the case with dentures
- Does not require special maintenance: Implants are one of the most durable restorations used in dentistry, and they do not require any special care. Brushing, flossing, and avoiding hard foods that can damage implant crowns are all that is required to get the most out of implants
Restore your smile with an implant crown
An implant-supported crown is the closest thing to getting your real teeth back. Implants keep your jawbone healthy, and implant crowns are almost indistinguishable from real teeth. Call or stop by our Gainesville clinic to learn more about implants and dental crowns.
Request an appointment or call GDC Smiles at 770-504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.
Recent Posts
Dental crowns are one of the most popular and effective restorations dentists use to restore and protect damaged teeth. They are tooth-shaped caps that cover your natural, damaged tooth. While the procedure is performed in two appointments, it is relatively straightforward and involves little to no discomfort.Several types of dental crowns are available, each with…
When it comes to enhancing the smile or addressing dental issues, dental crowns and veneers are popular options that offer great results. Both serve different purposes and have unique advantages. It helps to understand the distinctions between the two so you can decide which option is best suited for your specific needs.Dental crowns and veneers…
Dental crowns reinforce a decayed or damaged tooth, restoring its function and beauty. These are just two of the many benefits of crowns. For instance, they also require minimal aftercare. If you are dealing with a broken or root canal-treated tooth, consider this popular dental restoration.Dental crowns can restore a variety of dental conditions. They…