Damaged and missing teeth can bring disruption and discomfort to daily life. You chose a dental implant because of the long-lasting and natural-looking solution it provided for your missing tooth or teeth.
While the implant screw itself can last a lifetime, the tooth-like crown placed on top of your implant may eventually need to be replaced. Implant crowns typically last 10-15 years before wear and tear become noticeable and a new restoration is necessary.
Can implants be restored?
Yes! If your implant restoration, whether it’s a crown, bridge or denture, has become damaged and is in need of repair, don’t delay visiting the dentist. Many believe that a damaged restoration means that the entire implant (post and all) will need to be replaced and a new one put in, but that is rarely the case. An implant restoration usually fixes the problem without any affect on the implant post.
What is an implant restoration?
A dental implant restoration is the placement of an artificial tooth on top of a dental implant. The word “restoration” is referring specifically to the fake tooth (most commonly a crown) that sits on top of the implant post (the part attached to the jaw). Crowns, bridges and other restorations are durable and long-lasting; however, over time they can chip or break due to normal wear and tear. When restorations are replaced, the implant post itself remains untouched.
A dental implant restoration might be exactly what you need if you have a missing tooth. Implants are titanium posts that are placed in the jaw as a replacement for the root of a lost tooth. Implants can also be made from other materials, like zirconium.
A dental implant restoration is made up of two main components. The implant that serves as an artificial root and a restoration that replaces the lost tooth. Implants are often fitted with crowns, but they can also serve as bases for other restoration, like dentures and bridges.
Implants are highly recommended by dentists because of their bone preserving properties. The implant transfers bite forces into the patient’s jaw, which gives the tissues there all the stimulation they need. Implants are the only oral prosthetics used in dentistry that effectively address the bone tissue breakdown that occurs when a tooth falls out.
Once the dental implant has healed, the implant crown can be placed and the procedure usually takes about an hour.
MATERIALS — What restorative options do I have?
There are different types of dental restorations and materials for patients to choose from when replacing missing teeth. The most common restoration for a single tooth replacement is a dental crown, which can easily be affixed on top of a dental implant. A bridge and denture are a more popular choices for replacing multiple teeth and require multiple implants for support. Crowns, bridges and dentures can be created from porcelain or zirconia. These materials are durable and long-lasting and can be colored to match the look of the natural teeth. We will work together to determine the best restorative option and material for you.
AFFORDABILITY — How much will it cost?
The price of the restoration is determined by the restoration type and material. We will go over all pricing and financial expectations prior to the procedure. We don’t want the cost of a restoration to keep you from receiving the treatment you need. Our team at Pleasanton Star Dental offers various financing options to make dental care more affordable for our patients.
DURABILITY — How long will it last?
Dental implants (the post attached to the jaw) can last a lifetime when cared for properly. Implant restorations which sit on top of a dental implant typically last 10-15 years before wear and tear require replacement. Daily brushing and flossing, eating healthy foods, and maintaining routine dental visits all contribute to the longevity of a dental restoration and can extend the life of a crown beyond 15 years. The location of the dental implant can also play a role in how long the restoration will last. Implant restorations in the back of the mouth used for chewing food often tend to water out faster than those closer to the front of the mouth.
What will recovery be like?
As with any treatment provided at our office, we will look after you from start to finish. Luckily, an implant restoration is not painful. The restoration is placed on the implant and they appointment usually takes less than an hour. The Implant Crown has no connection to any nerves in the jaw and therefore makes for a quick recovery. We expect you to be back to your normal routine as soon as the same day or the next day following your procedure.
© Pleasanton Star Dental. All Rights Reserved. Site By: Ascent PGS
