The Procedure and Care of Implant Crowns

If you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist might suggest implant crowns. Dental implants are a two-step procedure that effectively replaces your missing tooth. Because the implant crown is placed on an implant rod or “root”, dental implants mimic the biological function of a tooth as well as the aesthetic.

The beauty of implant crowns over dentures is they act like your regular teeth. You don’t have to remove them at night. The only cleaning you do is regular brushing and flossing. They’re permanent. For all practical purposes, they act like your regular teeth. Many people can’t even tell.

We’ll discuss the procedure used to place implant crowns, signs you may need them, and how to care for them long term.

What Happens During Dental Implant Crown Placement

A local cosmetic dentist experienced with implant crowns surgically places the implant root into your jawbone using either permanent cement or screwing it directly into the bone. After this, you’ll typically wait a three to four months before your dentist can fit you for an implant crown. This waiting period gives the jaw bone time to fuse with the implant and become a stable enough root for the implant crown. The crown will be colored to match the rest of your teeth, so it looks like a natural tooth after it is attached to the implant.

A successful procedure requires enough jawbone to hold the implant. If there isn’t enough bone, your dentist can add more through a bone graft. However, grafting lengthens the process, as you need to wait for the extra bone to reinforce itself before you can get the implant put in, wait for that to heal, and then finally attach the implant crown.

In some cases, if a single rooted tooth matches the size of the implant, the implant can be placed immediately. This process is known as “immediate implant placement.” The temporary crown is then attached to the implant.

Signs You Might Need a Tooth Extraction and Implant

A tooth extraction is usually needed when decay has become irreparable or a root canal has not been successful. An implant should go as soon as possible after a tooth extraction, before the bone starts to change at the extraction site.

Besides a bad root canal, the first indication of a problem with your tooth is unprovoked toothache or sensitivity. Your gum tissue may become swollen around the area and bleed. You might even notice a dark or receding spot on the affected tooth. If the infection has reached the root or the decay has gone below the gum line, a cosmetic dentist will likely recommend you get the tooth extracted and then replaced with an implant and crown.

Do You Smoke? Implants May Not be for You

We generally don’t recommend implant crowns for people who smoke, especially those who do so heavily. Smoking restricts blood flow, making it more difficult for your mouth to heal from the implant procedure, if it heals at all. Let us know up front if you smoke and how much, and please be honest. We can recommend an alternative procedure if you’re not a good candidate for implant crowns, but it’s best to know in advance.

Properly Caring for Dental Implant Crowns Once You’re Healed

As with original teeth, implants require regular dental care, including brushing, flossing, and periodic cleanings. After your implant procedure, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your new teeth.

When it comes to flossing dental implants, we recommend unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss. These types of floss will better protect the tissue around the implant. Nylon-coated interdental brushes are good for getting in between the implants thoroughly. Try dipping them in non-alcoholic antimicrobial rinse or gel.

Once your implant is fully healed and you’ve gotten used to it, you’ll likely never notice it much or at all. Many of our implant crown patients find themselves forgetting which tooth is an implant crown. Take care of them like your regular teeth, and they will last a lifetime.

Beckham Square Family Dental: Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family!

If you need a family dentist who offers implant crowns in the Cincinnati area, give us a call or fill out our online contact form. We are currently accepting new patients. As the combined practice of Dr. Schmerler and Dr. Hynes, we provide gentle dental care for the entire family. We understand that some patients have had unpleasant experiences and may feel some dental anxiety. That’s why we do everything we can to make you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

We’re a local family dental practice that treats our patients like family. Let us help you restore and keep your beautiful smile! Complete our online contact form today to schedule your next office visit.