Dental Implants and Crowns

Over the course of the past thirty years, dental implants have undeniably become the gold standard for single (and even multiple) tooth replacement. Because they are made of three parts that successfully mimic the essential structural components of a natural tooth, dental implants are strong, durable, and built to last a lifetime.

Benefits of Dental Implants and Crowns

The benefits of dental implants are multiple and varied. Because they are stable fixtures in the mouth, they don’t move around while their wearer is eating or speaking. They don’t have to be removed at night for cleaning or other maintenance, and they are made to be very durable. They are also incredibly strong: given the structural support of the implant fixture, which is embedded into the jawbone itself, dental implants are able to restore nearly 90% of the biting and chewing power or a natural tooth. Furthermore, the implants themselves can last a lifetime, and the implant crown, which is the prosthetic tooth, is both attractive and extremely long-lasting.

Support for the Implant Crown

Although the implant crown is the “face” of the dental implant as the only part that is visible above the gumline, it is supported by two other very important parts. These include the dental fixture and the abutment, which are installed and placed during two separate visits.

First, the implant fixture is sunk into the hard tissue of the jawbone during a surgical procedure. A small, screw-like piece, the implant fixture remains hidden from sight below the gums, which are stitched up over the surgical site at the end of the procedure. Following the installment of the implant fixture, time must be allowed for the implant fixture to meld with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration – literally becoming one with the bone. This is what gives dental implants their coveted strength, as the force of biting and chewing can transferred through the implant crown into the jawbone just as it is via the roots in a natural tooth.

While the hard and soft tissues are healing following this initial procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon may choose to either place a healing abutment or cuff around the implant fixture or leave the gums closed with no abutment placed. Regardless, a healing time of two to six months must be allowed to let the tissues heal before placing the permanent abutment, which is the piece that connects to the implant fixture below the gumline and provides support above the gumline for the implant crown.

The implant crown

The implant crown is the final piece to be placed in the dental implant. This piece is the most painstakingly made, as it is designed to fit in aesthetically with the rest of your teeth. While your tissues are healing following the installation of the implant fixture, your dentist will work on making a custom-made implant crown to blend in with your smile. The crown can made to be either fixed (permanent) or removable depending on your own preferences. Regardless of what you choose, a dental implant is a solid investment, and one that should continue to pay dividends for many years to come.

Dental Implant Abutment