Learning More About Dental Implant Restorations
What is a dental implant restoration?
Basically, there are three parts that you should know: an implant, an abutment, and a crown. This setup is used to replace a missing tooth or missing teeth. Let's break this down.
The implant is the part below the gums, down in the bone, acting like the root of your tooth.
The second part is the abutment. These two pieces fit together, and a screw inside holds them together. The abutment sticks out of the gums, acting like your tooth.
Then, you need something that looks and functions like a tooth, which is called a crown. This is very similar to a crown on a regular tooth.
We slide the crown over the abutment and use cement inside to bond it to the implant, so it stays in place, allowing you to smile, eat, and chew. Sometimes, we might use a screw to hold the crown onto the abutment. From a patient's perspective, there's not much difference, as there is no change in cost, looks, or function. Whether it's glued on or screwed on depends on spacing and the dentist's judgment.
What does an implant restoration entail?
The actual restoration on an implant for a single tooth is generally a crown. For multiple teeth, it might be a bridge or something similar to a denture. However, these are made from a different, stronger material and are more cosmetic. Because they attach to implants, we don't have to use the roof of your mouth, allowing us to be conservative with the size to avoid a bulky feel or gagging. These have better retention, staying in your mouth when eating hard, crunchy, squishy, or chewy foods. You won't have to worry about them falling out or causing embarrassment.
How can I make my dental implants white again?
You can visit us, as there are a couple of reasons why an implant might become discolored over time. Sometimes, it's due to gums receding. If it's the crown material that has faded, we can usually leave the implant and abutment alone, taking off the crown and making a new, white one.
If you have one implant and have whitened your natural teeth, you might want to whiten before replacing the implant crown. Then, we can replace the implant crown to match the shade of your new white teeth. Our materials improve over time, so if your implant crown is older, it might not be as cosmetic as newer options. We can discuss upgrading the material for a more realistic appearance and a healthier smile.
Is it possible to do a screw-retained crown on a single implant restoration?
Yes, it is possible. However, we must consider where your implant sits and its angle, as we need access for the screw. In the cosmetic region, we avoid visible screws, but in the back, using a screw-retained crown is more common. For a front tooth, it depends on alignment. When you visit us, we can discuss your desire for a screw-retained crown and assess if the alignment allows it.
How long do dental implants last?
Forever, unless there's a problem. Once the implant is in and healthy, there's no reason to remove or replace it unless a medical condition affects the bone around the implant or if it's not being cared for. If the implant is stable and not causing issues, we expect it to last for many years, possibly even the crown. Replacing everything isn't always necessary; sometimes, it's just about updating the crown for cosmetic reasons or due to wear and tear.
How many times can a dental implant be replaced?
As long as there's bone, implants can be replaced repeatedly. However, that's not the goal. We aim to place an implant, intending it to last for a long time, ideally for your entire life. If issues arise, the implant can be removed, the area grafted, and a new implant placed once healed, followed by a restoration or crown. There's no limit as long as there's sufficient bone for the implant.
How common is implant failure?
Implant failure is not common, with a success rate of 92-96%. Factors affecting this include medical health, the condition, and quality of the bone where the implant is placed. We can discuss your health history and bone quality to provide an accurate success rate. Generally, under consistent conditions, implants have a high success rate and are very predictable and successful.
What is the most common reason for implant failure?
There are two main reasons for implant failure: within the first year and beyond. Within the first year, failure is often due to poor planning or poor health. Poor planning may involve incorrect placement or rushing the healing process. Poor health could relate to medical conditions, smoking, or insufficient bone.
After the first year, failure is usually due to poor maintenance, such as not brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash, leading to periodontal disease. Grinding or clenching teeth can also cause failure, so wearing a night guard is important. Bad habits like eating very hard foods can damage implants, but these are issues for natural teeth as well. Taking care of your implants ensures they last.
Can you save a failing dental implant?
It's important to visit the dental office regularly for cleanings and checkups. Early detection increases the likelihood of preventing total failure. If problems arise with a dental implant, early intervention can often prevent complete failure and loss. If an implant is lost, we can prepare for placing another implant in the area.
How can you prevent dental implants from failing?
Wear your night guard and maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Visit us regularly, whether every three or six months, as recommended, to get your teeth cleaned and checked. Regular visits help catch potential issues early before they escalate. Disappearing after getting implants can lead to more problems in the future. Prevention through regular checkups is key.
How long does implant restoration take?
The implant placement takes anywhere from two to six months. Under certain circumstances, we might provide a tooth in a day, but conditions must be optimal. In cosmetic areas, we ensure you are taken care of visually, while in the back, the wait might be longer. Implant restoration, however, is quick, similar to crowning a natural tooth. Once you come in, we attach the abutment and take impressions. Usually, from the start of restoration to receiving your permanent tooth, it takes a couple of weeks or up to three weeks.
How do you know when my implant is ready to restore?
We know how long bone healing takes after implant placement. We also take X-rays to check for bone filling around the implant. The implant has threads, and bone grows within these threads in a process called osseointegration. This means the bone and implant integrate without actually fusing, providing stability and firmness. Once the X-ray shows sufficient bone healing, we know it's time to place a tooth on the implant.
You’re never alone in caring for your dental health. At Nooga Dentistry, our team is here to support and meet you where you are in your dental journey. Call (423) 592-7676 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.