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Dental Implant Crowns: Restoring Your Smile Naturally
The team at Newtown Dentistry is driven by the philosophy that everyone should love their smile. To help you get the smile you deserve, we continue to integrate the most state-of-the-art cosmetic dental techniques and technologies that add a natural look to your smile while correcting any damage to your teeth.
Dental implant crowns are among the most efficient, natural-looking cosmetic dentistry options for people who have missing teeth or a need to fix damaged teeth. While our experienced cosmetic dentists have placed hundreds of crowns, we approach each patient’s case on an individual basis, selecting the right type and material for the most benefit. Our placement process is done in our low-anxiety, environmentally soothing dental home, with professional results that last a long time—often a lifetime—and fit your individual needs and goals.
What Is an Implant Crown?
Specifically, a dental implant crown is a prosthetic tooth restoration that replaces a missing tooth. It serves as the functional and visible part of your new tooth. Crowns are typically attached to a dental implant, which is a small titanium post surgically implanted into your jawbone. This combination of an implant and crown effectively copies the appearance, function, and durability of a natural tooth
When Are Implant Crowns Used?
Implant crowns are a versatile dental solution. If you have a single missing tooth you’d like to replace without altering the adjacent teeth, an implant crown is a seamless solution that bridges the gap. Implant crowns are also a good solution to replace a tooth that’s extensively damaged, from decay or a fracture. Not only does it restore the tooth’s appearance, but it also brings back its function.
What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Implant Crowns?
There are several advantages to choosing an implant crown, including:
Natural Appearance: Implant crowns are made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile.
Durability: They are designed to last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Improved Function: Dental implant crowns restore the full functionality of your bite, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Preservation of Adjacent Teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, implant crowns don’t require altering healthy adjacent teeth.
Jawbone Health: The implant post stimulates the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur when a tooth is lost.
Are There Many Types of Dental Crown Implants?
Implant crowns come in various types, each with its unique characteristics:
All-Ceramic Crowns: These crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials, providing a seamless look and biocompatibility.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal substructure with the natural appearance of porcelain, making them a durable and nice-looking choice for front teeth.
Zirconia Crowns: Known for their strength and durability, zirconia crowns are a popular choice for dental implants.
Full Metal Crowns: These crowns, typically made of gold or other metal alloys, are known for their strength and longevity. They are, however, less common due to their metallic appearance and are typically used for teeth in the back of the mouth.
Our cosmetic experts will recommend the most suitable type based on your specific needs and goals, taking into account the location of the crown, its use, and how it will look.
How Does a Dentist Place a Crown?
The placement of an implant crown typically involves several steps:
Consultation and Examination: We first complete a full assessment of your oral health, take X-rays, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Implant Placement: If a dental implant is recommended, a small titanium post is surgically placed in your jawbone by one of our outside affiliated dental surgeons. Healing time varies but is usually a few months.
Impression: An impression of your teeth is taken in our offices to create a custom crown that perfectly matches your natural teeth.
Abutment Placement: Once the implant has integrated with the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant, which is basically the connection point between the implant and the crown. The final step involves securing the custom-made crown onto the abutment so it fits properly, functions well, and looks natural.
The entire process may take several months, but so many patients are happy with the usefulness, the long-lasting result, and, most importantly, the change in their smile.
How Do I Care for My Implant Crown?
Implant crowns can last a long time with proper care, starting with good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can keep plaque at bay and ensure your gums stay healthy. Make sure to schedule your routine checkups and cleanings, so we can spot any potential issues with your crown early on. As far as nutrition and your crown, it’s best to limit hard and sticky foods that can cause problems with your crown. Finally, if you have a tendency to grind your teeth while sleeping, a night guard might be a good way to protect your crown.
Implant crowns are a highly popular answer to an annoying damaged or missing tooth. If you have any questions or are considering a dental implant, schedule your appointment now or call us any time at (215) 774-5496. No matter what type of solution you’ve been considering for your missing or damaged teeth, we are here to talk to you about the possibilities.
