Once you lose your adult teeth they unfortunately do not grow back. If you are missing permanent teeth, you are not alone. Tooth loss is still common despite the fact that both periodontal infection (gum disease) and dental decay are highly preventable. The good news is healthcare professionals and scientists found a long-lasting solution. They specifically designed dental implants to replace any missing permanent teeth and restore your smile to better than new.
Why Do I Need a Dental Implant?
Your teeth and your jawbone actually complement one another, in a way you may not expect. It is true, the jawbone and other connective structures anchor your teeth and give them strength. However, it also is true that the pressure from biting down on your teeth helps stimulate the bone, making it stronger in return. When you lose a tooth it disrupts this cycle. The tooth and root are no longer there to support the bone and it begins to deteriorate. As a result, remaining teeth often shift out of place, your jaw begins to sag and other teeth may eventually fall out as well. By replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant you help put a stop to this debilitating cycle. The implant restores both the natural function of your tooth root and the co-dependent relationship with the bone.
What are Dental Implants?
Your natural tooth has two basic parts: the root and the crown. The dental implant (a titanium screw or post) replaces the tooth root. The oral surgeon secures it directly into the jawbone where it fuses in place through a process called osseointegration. Basically the metal alloy of the implant is biocompatible with bone and works much like a bone graft. After a few months of healing, your dental implant securely anchors in place and is ready for a dental crown.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Crowns are a “cap” used to cover the upper portion of your tooth. Dentists use crowns to strengthen or restore an existing tooth as part of dental restorations like bridges, or to complete the procedure for dental implants.
How Are Dental Crowns Made?
At Novi Family Dentistry, Dr. Faraj takes an impression of your teeth, once the implant is in place and sends it to an off-site dental laboratory. There the technicians make a mold, take another specialized impression and use this as a cast for your dental crown. They pour molten or liquid material into the cast and heat it to set and cure. The technicians make crowns from differing materials, but most commonly, they use metal, porcelain fused to metal or all porcelain. They will work with the dentist to determine the best material for the crown based on location, size and function. Because the mold contains the surrounding teeth next to your implant as well as the teeth above it, your crown is custom-fitted to your smile, and your smile alone. Once fully set they remove the crown and ship it back to Dr. Faraj so she can place it and complete your restoration.
Dental Implant and Crown Aftercare
These dental restorations do not need any specialized treatment outside what you do to take care of your natural teeth. Just remember, just because it is a false tooth does not mean you are no longer at risk of infection or decay. You should always brush and floss regularly if you want to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. You also should visit Dr. Faraj every six months for a checkup and professional dental cleaning.
How Long Will a Dental Implant Crown Last?
Your dental implant should last you the rest of your life, but the dental crown may need replacement every 10 to 15 years, depending on your eating and hygiene habits. If you consistently grind your teeth or expose your crown to a lot of wear and tear, it might require more frequent replacement. To prolong the life of your dental crown you should stop bad habits like clenching your jaw, biting your nails and chewing on pen caps.
Why Should I Choose Novi Family Dentistry for Implant Crowns?
Quality control is imperative. Dr. Faraj works hard to ensure the lab makes your crown from the best materials and makes the best fit, both functionally and aesthetically. Our network of trained and skilled professionals has placed and crowned many successful dental implants. We look forward to providing the same treatment for you.
Contact us to make an appointment or to learn more about dental implant crowns.