Implant Crowns

Implant crowns are used to replace a single missing tooth. For each missing tooth, a titanium screw or implant is surgically positioned in the jaw. Then, an abutment is used to connect the implant to a porcelain crown. Implant crowns not only replace the visible portion of the missing tooth but also its roots. The implant acts as an artificial tooth root and provides a strong base while the porcelain crown restores the appearance, function, and aesthetic appeal of the missing tooth.

How are implant crowns placed?

Implant crowns' placement is easy and requires two visits to the dentist's office. Below is a step-by-step guide to their placement.

First visit: Examining and implant placement

Step 1

A comprehensive oral examination is conducted. The site with a missing tooth is examined using X-rays to determine the density of the underlying jawbone. In order to receive implant crowns, you should:

• Be in good overall and oral health.
• Have enough jawbone density to support the implant.
• Not be terminally ill or suffering from serious cardiovascular diseases.
• Not be pregnant.

If the above criteria are successfully met, the dentist moves to the next step.

Step 2

The site is cleaned and its surrounding area is numbed using a local anesthetic. It keeps you from experiencing pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Step 3

An incision is made in the gums and a hole is drilled in the underlying jawbone. A dental implant is placed in the drilled hole and the gums are sutured back.

The surgical site is left to heal for 4-6 months. During this time, the dental implant fuses with the natural bone and becomes an integral part of it. This process is known as osseointegration.

Step 4

Impressions of teeth are obtained and sent to a dental laboratory along with the shade that matches the color of your natural teeth. Using the impressions, the dental lab custom designs a crown. It is done in a manner to match the shape, size, and shade of your natural teeth.

Second visit: Receiving the crown

Step 5

During the second visit, an abutment is attached to the dental implant. The abutment is then connected to a custom-designed dental crown.

What are the advantages of implant crowns?

Implant crowns have numerous benefits over other tooth replacement techniques. Some of the most eminent advantages of choosing implant crowns are:

• Teeth are essential for the jawbone's health. In the case of tooth loss, the underlying jawbone starts to dissolve or recede. Implant crowns not only replace the visible part of the tooth but also the tooth roots. As a result, the jawbone remains healthy and dense.
• Teeth replaced with implant crowns appear, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are custom-designed using porcelain to match the shade of the neighboring teeth.
• Implant crowns involve the surgical placement of a titanium screw in the jawbone. The titanium screw or implant integrates with the surrounding natural bone and becomes a part of it. This osseointegration provides for strong anchoring and allows the patient to chew and bite like with natural teeth.
• The preservation of the underlying jawbone and bone structure provides support to the facial contour. Patients with implant crowns look young and youthful.
• Osseointegration of the implant provides a strong foundation for the crown and prevents it from moving. As a result, the speech remains unimpaired.
• Implant crowns are not prone to cavities and decay.
• They are easy to care for. One can follow a regular oral care regime to maintain them in optimum health.
• Crown implants provide a permanent solution to missing teeth. If properly cared for, they last a lifetime.
• The installation of implant crowns does not harm the adjacent teeth.

At Jones and Hindbaugh Dental, the art and technology of modern dentistry are tactfully employed to systematically restore the damage and improve the cosmetic appeal of your smile. Dr. Erica Hindbaugh Jones' and Dr. Russel Jones specialize in creating a coordinated treatment plan to give you a complete smile makeover. Book an appointment with us today for a more youthful and healthy smile.