All-on-4®
All-on-4 is an alternative to placing a top or bottom set of replacement teeth, called a full arch. Four dental implants are placed in available bone, avoiding the need for bone grafting. Special abutments are used so that a temporary set of replacement teeth can be placed on the same day. You follow a modified diet while the gum tissues heal and the implants bond with your natural bone. After about six months, the permanent replacement teeth will be placed and you can resume a regular diet.
Restore Your Smile Today
If you’re in need of a dental implant crown in New Braunfels, TX, look no further than Great Oaks Dentistry! Our experienced dentist, Dr. Carter, is committed to providing personalized and high-quality dental care to each and every patient. Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you obtain a new smile with a dental implant crown. With our state-of-the-art technology and patient-centered approach, we are confident that you will have a comfortable and successful experience at Great Oaks Dentistry. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
What Are Dental Implant Crowns?
Dental implant crowns are a type of dental restoration that involves tooth replacement with an artificial tooth that is attached to a dental implant. The dental implant, which is a small, screw-like post, is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it serves as a sturdy anchor for the artificial tooth. The dental implant crown is custom-made to fit the size, shape, and color of your teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.
Types Of Dental Implant Crowns for Tooth Replacement
There are two popular materials used for dental implant crowns – porcelain and zirconia. Both offer unique benefits that cater to individual patient’s needs:
Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain has been a long-standing choice for dental restorations due to its aesthetic appeal and ability to mimic natural tooth enamel’s translucency. Furthermore, these crowns can be color-matched with the surrounding set of teeth, providing a seamless integration into one’s smile.
Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a relatively newer material in dentistry but has gained popularity owing to its strength and durability. It is considered more robust than porcelain, making it less prone to chipping or cracking under pressure which is why it’s commonly used for replacing molars at the back of the mouth. Additionally, zirconia has a lower plaque accumulation rate compared to other crown materials.
The choice between porcelain and zirconia largely depends on factors such as aesthetics, the location of the implant within the mouth, the patient’s unique medical considerations, and personal preference. While both options provide excellent results when crafted by skilled professionals; patients who prioritize appearance may lean towards porcelain crowns for teeth in their smile line since they closely resemble natural teeth in terms of color and translucency.
On the other hand, those who require stronger support might opt for zirconia due to its superior durability properties, particularly for posterior teeth that endure greater chewing forces. By understanding these differences along with consulting your dentist in New Braunfels, TX, you can select the most suitable type of implant crown tailored specifically for your requirements ensuring optimal satisfaction from this life-changing dental treatment.
Dental Implant Supports for Prosthetics
Dental implants play a crucial role in supporting various types of dental prosthetics, offering a durable and reliable solution for patients who have lost teeth. The implant itself is a titanium or zirconia post-surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement root for a missing tooth. Titanium is widely used due to its biocompatibility and strength, while zirconia implants are becoming increasingly popular as a metal-free, aesthetically appealing alternative. Once the implant integrates with the bone (a process known as osseointegration), it provides a strong and stable foundation for attaching dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
1. Single Tooth Replacement: For patients who have lost a single tooth, a dental implant provides a stable foundation for a crown. The implant mimics the root of a natural tooth, and the crown attached to it restores both function and aesthetics. Unlike traditional bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, an implant-supported crown preserves the surrounding teeth and is a long-lasting solution.
2. Multiple Tooth Replacement: In cases where several teeth are missing, implants can support a dental bridge. Instead of relying on neighboring teeth for support, implants serve as anchors for the bridge, providing better stability and function. This reduces the risk of bone loss in the areas where teeth are missing and improves overall oral health.
3. Full Arch Restoration: For patients missing an entire arch of teeth, implants can support dentures or a full set of prosthetic teeth. Implant-supported dentures are more stable than traditional dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort. By using a series of implants, a full arch of teeth can be securely anchored in place, allowing for improved chewing ability and a more natural feel. This solution also helps prevent the bone resorption that often occurs after tooth loss.
4. Overdentures: An overdenture is a type of prosthetic supported by a small number of implants. This is a cost-effective solution for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth but still have some natural teeth remaining. Overdentures offer the benefit of greater stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures, and they can be removed for cleaning.
The main advantage of implant-supported prosthetics over traditional alternatives is their ability to prevent bone loss. When teeth are lost, the jawbone in the area of the missing tooth can begin to deteriorate, leading to changes in facial structure and further tooth loss. Dental implants, whether titanium or zirconia, help maintain the integrity of the jawbone by providing the stimulation necessary for bone health, promoting both functionality and aesthetic appearance in the long term. Overall, dental implants provide a robust foundation for a variety of prosthetic solutions, improving both the appearance and functionality of the smile while enhancing a patient’s quality of life.
Overall, dental implants provide a robust foundation for a variety of prosthetic solutions, improving both the appearance and functionality of the smile while enhancing a patient’s quality of life.
Benefits Of Dental Implant Crowns
Dental implant crowns offer various advantages that make them an attractive choice for patients seeking cosmetic and functional improvements. Some key benefits include:
- Enhanced appearance: Dental implant crowns closely resemble teeth, providing a seamless integration within the patient’s existing smile.
- Improved function: Patients can enjoy increased chewing and speaking ability after receiving dental implants.
- Longevity: With proper care, dental implant crowns have been known to last for 15 years or more.
- Jawbone preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone like natural tooth roots, helping maintain bone density and prevent further deterioration.
- Boosted self-esteem: A restored smile often leads to boosted confidence levels among patients who were previously embarrassed by their missing teeth.
Through advancements in dentistry techniques and materials used in crafting these restorations, dental implant crowns continue to evolve as a popular solution for addressing missing teeth in New Braunfels, TX.
The Dental Implant Crown Procedure
Pre-Consultation and Evaluation Process:
- Patients are evaluated to determine if they are candidates for dental implant crowns
- Comprehensive oral examination, including X-rays, is conducted to evaluate dental health
- The treatment plan is developed based on individual needs and goals
Dental Implant Placement Surgery:
- Anesthesia is used to ensure patient comfort during the procedure
- A small incision is made in the gums to access the jawbone
- A small hole is drilled into the jawbone to place the dental implant
- The implant is securely placed into the jawbone
- The gum tissue is sutured closed over the implant
- A temporary crown may be placed over the implant while it heals and fuses with the jawbone
Attachment of Abutment and Crown:
- Once the implant has fully fused with the jawbone, the abutment is attached to the implant
- The abutment acts as a connector for the crown
- A custom-made crown is created to fit the size, shape, and color of the patient’s teeth at Great Oaks Dentistry
- The crown is securely attached to the abutment
- Final adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable and natural-looking result
Overall, the dental implant crown procedure at Great Oaks Dentistry involves a thorough pre-consultation and evaluation process to develop a personalized treatment plan, followed by a precise and comfortable dental implant placement surgery, and ending with the attachment of a durable and natural-looking crown.
Aftercare And Maintenance
The delight of a new, radiant smile can only be sustained with proper aftercare and maintenance. Ensuring the longevity of dental implant crowns is crucial for continued confidence in one’s appearance.
Following dental implant crown placement by an oral surgeon, adherence to specific post-operative guidelines is vital to promote optimal healing and prevent complications. Patients should avoid disturbing the surgical site by refraining from touching or rinsing vigorously for at least 24 hours after surgery. Pain management may include over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, while antibiotics prescribed by the dentist must be taken according to the provided schedule. Additionally, it is recommended that patients maintain a soft diet for several days following the procedure and gradually reintroduce firmer foods as comfort allows.
Regular dental visits are paramount in preserving the long-term success of dental implant crowns. Our dentists meticulously monitor implants’ stability and surrounding tissues during these appointments, ensuring early detection of potential issues before they become severe problems. Professional cleanings also contribute significantly to overall oral hygiene by removing plaque buildup around implants that could lead to peri-implantitis—a gum disease variant affecting implants—resulting in possible failure if left untreated.
Thus, committing to routine examinations and cleanings ensures not only an enduringly beautiful smile but fosters exceptional dental health outcomes for individuals who have invested in dental implant treatment.
