Patients who are missing one tooth can benefit from a single dental implant. As the number one solution for tooth loss, Dr. Kevin Welinsky recommends this option to all his patients. He can provide you with an implant-supported crown in Towson, MD if you’re missing a back or front tooth.
What is an Implant-Supported Crown?
An implant-supported crown is a revolutionary method to replace a tooth anywhere in your mouth. It will mimic the appearance, function, and feel of a natural tooth. Your new false tooth will be made up of several parts:
- The Dental Implant: The first part of the restoration is the titanium implant post that a dentist will surgically place in the jawbone. The implant will fuse to the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. The dental implant provides a stable and long-lasting base for the dental crown.
- An Abutment: A small piece called an abutment will be attached to the implant fixture. It will protrude from the gumline and act as a connector piece between the dental implant and the dental crown. Abutments can be customized to fit the crown precisely however there are prefabricated ones available.
- A Custom Dental Crown: The dental crown is the replacement tooth and the visible portion of the dental restoration. They’re custom-made to mimic the exact shape, color, and feel the natural tooth. We can fabricate your dental crown from a durable material such as porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia. It will blend in naturally with your surrounding teeth and last for a long time due to its strength.
Screw-Retained Crown vs Cemented Implant-Supported Crown
Your dentist can secure the dental crown to the implant is one of two ways. He can use a screw or dental cement. There are pros and cons of each method.
Screw-Retained Crown
This type of custom crown requires a customize abutment that will have a small access hole. The dental crown will also be fabricated with a screw channel that will align with the abutment’s access hole. Our dentist will align the holes up and use a tiny screw to secure the dental crown.
This type of dental restoration is typically favored among patients. It can be easily removed for maintenance or repairs by simply removing the screw. It offers a precise and very secure fit. However, it can be difficult to place since our dentist will need more space for the screw access hole.
Cemented Implant-Supported Crown
This type of dental crown can be secured with a pre-fabricated abutment. Your dentist will simply secure the dental crown using dental cement then remove any excess cement. Placing this type of implant-supported crown is very simple.
A cemented implant supported crown offers good aesthetics since there are no visible screw holes. However, they can be a challenge to remove if maintenance or replacement is required as the crown is securely bonded to the abutment with cement.
The Benefits of a Single Implant-Supported Crown
One of the biggest benefits of an implant-supported crown is that it doesn’t affect your other teeth. With a traditional dental bridge, the healthy teeth next to the gap have to be shaved down to hold the bridge in place. But with a dental implant, we don’t need to touch your surrounding teeth at all. This helps protect your natural smile in the long run.
Implants also help keep your jawbone healthy. When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area can start to shrink over time. A dental implant stimulates the bone like a tooth root and helps prevent bone loss.
Another great benefit is that these restorations are strong and long-lasting. With good care, they can last many years, even a lifetime. You don’t have to ever replace your implant post. While you will need to replace your crown over time, a crown supported by an implant lasts longer than a traditional bridge.
You can also eat your favorite foods. Even a single missing tooth can make it harder for you to bite and chew. You might start avoiding certain foods or chewing only on one side of your mouth. With an implant crown, you have a full bite.
Am I a Candidate?
We’ll recommend a single implant-supported crown if you’re healthy and have enough jawbone to support the implant post.
You need enough jawbone because the dental implant needs to fuse with the bone. If the bone isn’t thick enough or has shrunk after tooth loss, we may recommend a bone graft to build it back up before treatment.
Being in good health also helps you heal after the implant is placed. If you have conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or if you smoke, your body may have a harder time healing. We’ll talk with you about any health issues that might affect your treatment. Dr. Welinsky may also recommend periodontal disease treatment, fillings, or root canal therapy if you have gum or tooth problems.
Caring for an Implant Crown
You can care for your implant-supported crown just like a tooth. That means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Good oral hygiene helps protect your gums and the bone that supports the implant. If plaque builds up, it can lead to gum disease or an infection called peri-implantitis, which can damage the tissue and bone around the implant.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the crown. Floss carefully or use special tools like an interdental brush or water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas. Also, avoid habits like chewing on ice or using your teeth to open packages.
We welcome you to learn more on our website:
- Implant Dentistry Overview
- Dental Implants FAQs
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental Implants vs Dentures
- Full Mouth Dental Implants
- Implant-Supported Bridge
Schedule an Appointment for an Implant-Supported Crown in Towson, MD
A dental crown supported by a single dental implant is your best option to replace a tooth. If you have a missing tooth and would like to learn more about an implant supported crown in Towson MD, schedule an appointment today by calling 410-449-7656. You can also request an appointment online.