Dental crowns for restoring dental implants

At Life Smiles Dental Care in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, our providers understand that the loss of natural teeth requires immediate repair. Drs. Paul Nielson, Timothy Schmidt, and Jared Bishop find that the dental implant is a popular and reliable way to replace these teeth and repair the appearance and function of the smile. If you are interested in finding out if dental implants and crown repair or restoration are right for you, continue reading!

What is a dental implant?

First, let’s talk about the dental implant and how it works in restoring the smile after tooth extraction and loss. Dental implants are titanium metal posts that our dentists place into the natural bone of the jaw to replace one or more teeth. The way the dental implant is restored will determine how many teeth are replaced. Dental implants are often covered with porcelain dental crowns to replace a single tooth in the smile, dental bridges to replace one or more teeth in a row, or dentures to create a restoration, often called implant-retained dentures. This versatility is just one reason why dental implants are incredibly popular amongst our patients.

When should a dental crown replacement be used over an implant?

Dental implants require some time to place and stabilize. The restoration is inserted during oral surgery and placed into the patient’s jawbone to act as a tooth root replacement. Over several weeks, a process of bone growth known as osseointegration occurs, allowing the jawbone to wrap around the implant and solidify it into the bone. Then, dentists discuss restoration with a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental crowns replace a single tooth, fitting over the abutment of the implant to complete the process. Our team uses dental crowns that are customized to the patient to ensure proper color, size, and shape to blend them in with the rest of the smile effectively, ensuring a natural, finished result.

How long will my dental implant last me?

Our dentists educate patients on properly caring for their implants to reduce the risk of the implant failing. While the implant itself can last a lifetime, the restoration over the top may need to be replaced if breakage occurs. Dental crowns often last a decade or longer with proper care and are easily replaced when needed. We encourage patients to visit the office regularly for a cleaning and evaluation, which allows us to check the fit and function of the implant, crown, and other restorations used in our facility. We also clean the natural teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and calculus that can contribute to cavities and periodontal disease. These issues can also affect the longevity of a dental implant, so routine appointments are vital!

Request more information to learn about the benefits of implant crown restoration near me!

If you reside in the Phoenix, AZ area and want to speak to Drs. Paul Nielson, Timothy Schmidt, and Jared Bishop to discuss your options for restoring the smile after tooth loss with dental implants. Call (602) 786-5484 to request a visit at the office located at 4611 East Shea Boulevard, Suite #250.