Dental implants have become a preferred tooth replacement solution. They look natural, function well, and help to preserve facial bone. Careful attention to implant crowns can make a big difference in the longevity of the restoration and patient satisfaction. Drs. Ryan Lepore and Erin Dougherty at Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry take pride in this area of concierge dentistry, giving patients from Clearwater Beach, Largo, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, and Dunedin, Florida, one more thing to smile about.
Implant basics
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. The device is implanted into the jawbone, where it becomes solidly fused. That process of osseointegration forms a strong foundation for the restoration – the dental crown that completes your smile and allows you to chew. A post, called an abutment, connects the crown to the implant.
Implant vs. Bridge
Many patients ask if they should do a bridge instead of an implant or vice versa. Our philosophy is as long as a patient is medically stable, an implant usually serves as a better tooth replacement option over a bridge. An Implant is independent and is cleaned individually, separate from the adjacent teeth. Many patients are disappointed when a bridge fails that ALL teeth in the bridge complex need to be replaced, even if it affects only one tooth of a bridge. Patients usually find that implants are easier to keep clean and be maintained.
Both a bridge and a dental implant are excellent solutions for replacing a missing tooth and restoring function to the affected area. In most cases, both will require multiple appointments to complete. There are some differences between the two solutions that you will want to discuss with your doctor as you plan your treatment.
A bridge is a restoration that attaches a replacement tooth by using teeth on either side of the missing tooth for support. The primary advantage of a bridge is the time it requires to fully complete. Bridges can generally be completed in a matter of weeks. However, the primary disadvantage of the bridge is that it requires reducing the neighboring teeth for support, which sometimes involves reducing healthy tooth material. Additionally, since it does not replace the missing root structure, you are at an increased risk of bone loss over time. Another disadvantage is the extensive maintenance needed to keep a bridge clean and healthy. Frequent cleaning with special threaded floss is necessary to prevent bacteria build-up which can result in irritation and gum loss.
Another option for replacing a missing tooth is a dental implant. A dental implant serves as an artificial root which then anchors the replacement tooth in place. One major advantage of an implant is that it substitutes the root structure of the missing tooth. Given that the roots serve the function of stabilizing and maintaining healthy bone tissue, an implant continues to help protect and preserve the area in a similar fashion. In addition, since this is a self-supporting restoration, it can be cared for just like any natural tooth. It also does not require removal of potentially healthy structure from the neighboring teeth.
One potential drawback to a dental implant can be the time span needed to complete the procedure. In such cases, your doctor can place a temporary tooth in the empty space while you heal. As with any procedure, many additional factors must be taken into account. They should be discussed with your doctor so that the right choice can be made based upon your unique needs.
Options in implant crowns
With any treatment you receive here, you have an assurance that care is planned and performed for optimal results in your unique situation. Implant crowns are no exception.
- Cemented – Dental cement can attach an implant crown to the abutment. Drs. Lepore and Dougherty recommend this method for beautiful esthetics in the anterior (front teeth). A wide variety of implant positions can be accommodated with cemented crowns, and the restoration can be removed without damage if that ever becomes necessary
Replacing a tooth can be accomplished with a dental implant. A dental implant restores the mouth to optimal function, stabilizing the surrounding bone, tissue, and teeth by substituting the root structure of the missing tooth. This helps to prevent further serious complications that can arise if the missing tooth is left untreated. It usually requires multiple appointments to complete a dental implant placement.
First, the site is prepared for placing the dental implant. Second, the implant body is placed into the bone along with a special healing cap. The site is then allowed to heal, providing a stable footing for the replacement tooth. At subsequent visits, your doctor will monitor the healing process, letting you know when the tooth is ready for the final restoration. When a site is fully healed, the healing cap is removed and replaced with the abutment, which serves as the base of your new tooth. Finally, the crown is placed over the abutment and cemented into place.
With your implant placement complete, your tooth is restored to optimal shape and function while continuing to stabilize, protect, and preserve the surrounding tissue.
- Screw-retained – A tiny screw is placed through an access hole to secure the crown to the abutment, and a bit of composite bonding material hides the opening. Screw retention can be a good choice for molars subjected to extreme bite force. This technique is also advised for immediate load (same day) implants and provisional (temporary) restorations, sometimes placed while soft tissues heal. A screw-retained crown is easily removed.
Replacing a tooth can be accomplished with a dental implant. A dental implant restores the mouth to optimal function, stabilizing the surrounding bone, tissue, and teeth by substituting the root structure of the missing tooth. This helps to prevent further serious complications that can arise if the missing tooth is left untreated. It usually requires multiple appointments to complete a dental implant placement.
First, the site is prepared for placing the dental implant. Second, the implant body is placed into the bone, along with a special healing cap. The site is then allowed to heal, providing a stable footing for the replacement tooth. At subsequent visits, your doctor will monitor the healing process, letting you know when the tooth is ready for the final restoration. When the site is fully healed, the healing cap is removed, and the final restoration is set into the implant and secured into place.
With your implant placement complete, your tooth is restored to ideal shape and function while continuing to stabilize, protect, and preserve the surrounding tissue.
At Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry, we treat implant crowns as part of a larger strategy of preserving oral health, overall wellness, and gorgeous smiles. Call (727) 608-4690 in Dunedin, FL, to talk with Drs. Lepore and Dougherty about your options.
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