AN IMPLANT-SUPPORTED CROWN CAN PERMANENTLY REPLACE A MISSING TOOTH AND HELP SAFEGUARD YOUR ORAL HEALTH
If you are missing a single tooth, you can receive an implant-supported crown in only one appointment at Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney. Dental implants are secure restorations that can replace your dental root and provide superior support for your custom-crafted restoration. Implants offer incredible stability and can also enhance your overall oral health. Our Charlotte, NC, office is outfitted with CEREC® technology. This imaging system allows us to perform same-day treatment and creates beautifully lifelike restorations that can be a near-perfect fit for your mouth. Dr. John M. Pinnix IV and Dr. George A. Betancourt are experienced in all aspects of implant dentistry. Therefore, both doctors can place and restore your implant-supported crown without having to refer you to another practice.
Are You a Candidate for an Implant-Supported Crown?
If you are missing a single tooth, you could be a candidate for an implant-supported crown. However, similar to a traditional crown, Drs. Pinnix or Betancourt will need to conduct a full evaluation to determine your candidacy. With advanced x-rays, your dentist can look for signs of jawbone recession. Bone atrophy begins quickly after tooth loss, and can affect your candidacy for an implant since the post requires a stable bone for support. Fortunately, our highly skilled dentists can often perform bone grafting to replace lost tissue and ensure a long-lasting restoration. Your oral and systemic health are also considerations in determining your candidacy for dental implants. Various conditions like gum disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders can affect your body’s healing processes. These conditions will not necessarily disqualify you from receiving implants, but they must be addressed in order for your candidacy to be restored.
What to Expect When You Receive an Implant-Supported Crown
Your dental x-rays can help Drs. Pinnix and Betancourt to place your implant with the utmost precision. With these images, your dentist can minimize the impact to your jaw and, in some cases, eliminate the need for bone grafting. Before your implant surgery, your doctor can administer both local anesthesia and a deeper type of sedation. We offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV (intravenous) sedation, and general anesthesia. During your treatment planning, we can help you choose the right option for you and further discuss the cost of your dental crown treatment.
An implant-supported crown can dramatically improve your oral health and function. Once the restoration is in place, you should be able to enjoy your regular diet and speak with confidence.
When you are ready to begin, your practitioner will create a small incision in your gums over the gap in your smile. Through this opening, your doctor can set the implant in your jawbone before closing the incision. The healing period typically takes approximately four to six months during which time your jawbone will fuse with the implant post. In some cases, you may need to wear a temporary removable restoration during this time. However, thanks to our precise surgical methods and CEREC technology, your dentist can often attach your crown on the same day as your surgery. CEREC crowns are made from strong, modern porcelain with a realistic color and sparkle. Your crown will be created from incredibly accurate digital impressions, so it could be a near-perfect match to your natural tooth.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Crowns
Just like a traditional bridge, an implant-supported crown can dramatically improve your oral health and function. Once the restoration is in place, you should be able to enjoy your regular diet and speak with confidence. Your prosthetic can also help maintain your healthy alignment by keeping your other teeth from growing into the gap in your dental arch.
At the same time, implant-supported crowns offer several advantages over bridges. First, they will not affect your existing teeth. Because bridges fit on top of the adjacent teeth, your dentist would need to remove a considerable amount of dental tissue to place the restoration. Second, dental implants are typically more durable than even the most carefully created bridges. In fact, with appropriate maintenance, implants can last the rest of your life. Finally, an implant post promotes bone regeneration, sending signals to your jaw to trigger new tissue growth. Consequently, you will have a much lower risk for additional tooth loss.
Restore Your Smile and Protect Your Oral Health
If you want to fill the gap in your smile with a lifelike and permanent restoration, contact our office online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pinnix or Dr. Betancourt. You can also call Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney at (704) 543-1102 to speak to a member of our team and learn more about implant-supported crowns.
