Due to technology advancements, dental offices now offer multiple replacement options for missing or damaged teeth to millions of people globally. One of the most popular choices is a dental implant crown.
Whether you are unfamiliar or familiar with implant crowns, here is everything you need to know, including the cost, benefits, and recovery after the procedure. Our Independence dental office offers dental implant crowns as well as several other services.
Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry takes dental implants to a new level by providing informative and efficient care without sacrificing comfort. Take back your oral health by getting dental implants.
What Is an Implant Crown?
This artificial tooth is fitted to the jaw or cheekbone and acts like a normal tooth, with similar durability and strength. Implants use screw-like posts made of titanium to act as a tooth’s root. The implant then bonds with the bone through osseointegration—a process where bone cells grow around the implanted post to secure the crown, which resembles the natural tooth.
To put that more simply, an implant will work as a root like a normal tooth would and provide support for the dental crown to attach to. Giving you a natural-looking and strong replacement tooth that will last for years.
Benefits of Dental Implants
No matter what type of dental accessory you place on top of your implant you can have the following benefits to your smile and your oral health:
Durability
If you maintain proper dental hygiene, brushing twice daily, flossing, and mouthwash, an implant-supported crown can last 10 to 20 years. Also, ensure you attend a professional checkup twice a year and avoid subjecting your teeth to harmful activities, such as chewing ice.
You can eat your favorite foods again and rest assured knowing your teeth are strong and protecting your oral health.
Cost
The cost of dental implant crowns varies according to the type of crown used. The good news is that more and more dental insurances are covering the total replacement cost or at least a significant portion.
During your consultation you will receive a more exact quote for the replacement cost. If you have any questions be sure to contact Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for more information.
Cosmetic Boost
This treatment will give you a restored smile. This means no more hiding your smile when you laugh and you can show your teeth in family photos. You can have a full and bright smile with dental implants and crowns. This erases the gap in your smile and allows you to eat and talk with confidence. With our color matching technology, your smile will look natural.
Dental implants give stimulation to your jaw, keeping your smile and face looking younger. This will limit facial wrinkles and keep your jaw from sagging. This restorative treatment will practically give you a face lift.
Dental implants also protect your bite and alignment by creating a placeholder for where the tooth was regardless of whether you get a crown place or not. This will prevent your other teeth from shifting into that empty socket so you do not have to realign them later.
Protects Oral Health
When you have a missing tooth, a lot of bacteria and food can get trapped in that site making it a perfect spot for infections to grow. When you get a dental implant you are essentially closing that site and blocking it off from bacteria. This protects your oral health and saves you from additional treatment later on.
Is a Tooth Implant a Painful Procedure?
Most patients fear implants because the crown is surgically attached, and the jaw has to be cut. There is no need to worry as the doctor will use anesthesia to ease any pain that may occur during surgery. However, there may be some discomforts after the procedure, for which the doctor will offer pain relieving medication and advice on the proper home care.
Steps of the Dental Implant Procedure
- Preparation: The process of a dental implant begins when the doctor extracts your decayed tooth to create space for the new artificial tooth. Some patients require bone augmentation to create enough bone for the implant to embed, while others are ready for surgery.
- Insertion: The dentist creates an opening within the jawbone to which they surgically insert the implant. Creating the opening involves cutting the gum and drilling a hole into the jawbone to place the screw-like post.
- Placing the crown: After giving enough time for the implant to integrate with the bone, the doctor plugs the crown, which has the natural look and feel of a tooth.
- Recovery: You may experience minor bleeding, swelling gums, mild pain, and bruising of your gums after the procedure. However, the antibiotics and pain medications offered will help alleviate the discomfort. You will also need to stick to soft foods during this period.
Long-Term Benefits of Implant Crowns
- Stability: Unlike temporary tooth replacement options, dental implant crowns are more stable as they are fused to the jawbone.
- Comfort: As stated, they are custom-made and have the feel of a natural tooth, ensuring you do not feel discomfort in your daily life. The jawbone can also maintain its strength.
- Improved confidence: You can smile knowing that people cannot tell whether you have an artificial tooth. You are also assured that they will last for years!
Timeline of an Implant After Extraction
You might be wondering, how soon after an extraction can the dental implant be put in? The waiting period after tooth extraction varies from one person to another. Those with healthy jawbones and free of gum diseases can get an implant immediately on the same day as the etxtraction.
Otherwise, you may have to wait two or three months as your gums heal or have a bone graft first, if necessary. We wait the necessary time to ensure the greatest outcome possible for our patients. If you have any specific questions the doctor will advise you accordingly.
Schedule an Appointment Today in Independence
If you are considering a tooth replacement to restore your confidence, we have the latest technology and techniques to achieve quality results at Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We are also available for questions and consultation. Schedule an appointment online with us today.