Implant Crowns
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth with strong, durable materials that enhance the smile. Implants are a permanent solution to replace missing teeth and can be used in conjunction with other procedures, such as crowns, to restore a healthy smile.
Dental implant crowns often look and feel like natural teeth and are fused to the bone to provide stability. They may be indistinguishable from natural teeth. The use of porcelain crowns creates a smooth, metal-free appearance that fits in seamlessly with the other teeth.
Benefits of an Implant Crown
Tooth loss is often a result of tooth decay, gum disease, trauma or congenital effects. Missing teeth can cause low self-esteem, eating problems, speech problems, and further tooth damage. While dentures and bridges are also used to replace missing teeth, implant crowns have many benefits over these procedures. Some of the benefits of implant crowns include:
- Improved appearance
- Improved speech
- Improved oral health
- Durability
- Convenience
- Comfort
The Implant Crown Procedure
The implant crown process usually takes place over several phases.
First Phase
Implantation is a surgical procedure that requires healthy gums and bones to support the root and replacement material. Local anesthesia is used for the procedure. The implant procedure includes placing a titanium screw into the gum to serve as an anchor. After three to six months of osseointegration, where the bone heals and fuses to the anchor or implant, the implant process can continue.
Second Phase
When completely healed, a temporary crown is placed over the implant to let the gum grow naturally around it so the area is protected while a permanent crown is made. The permanent crown is placed shortly after. The crown is then bleached to match the color of the other teeth.
Using a crown with an implant restores the strength and physical appeal of the lost tooth without affecting any other teeth. Implant crowns require a commitment of proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. With proper care, crown implants can last as a lifelong solution for missing teeth.
Additional Resources
- Medline Plus
- National Institutes of Health
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- U.S. National Library of Medicine
- WebMD