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Aug
Implant-Supported Crowns, How They Work to Replace Missing Teeth
Tooth loss can’t always be prevented. You can, however, remedy the problem by replacing lost teeth with implants. Dr. Jonathan Kelley and the team from Kelley Family Dental Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, recommend single dental implants to replace one or more teeth individually. Single implants use implant-supported crowns for dental restoration to replace missing teeth. A porcelain crown is strong enough to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing and is aesthetically pleasing to restore your smile. The answers to the following questions explain implant crowns and their use.
What are implant-supported crowns made of?
Most implant crowns are composed of either zirconia or porcelain material. Porcelain and zirconia share many properties with natural teeth, namely natural white coloring, transparency, and durability. A customized porcelain crown will have no trouble blending in with the rest of your teeth to restore your smile’s natural appearance. Dental crowns can also be made from composite resin/ceramic hybrids, gold, or other metals.
How do implant crowns differ from traditional crowns?
Traditional crowns cover existing teeth that are worn, decayed, or damaged. They cover the visible part of your tooth to protect its compromised structure. Implant-supported crowns take the place of teeth that have gone missing. They’re attached to implants that have fused with your bone system after implant surgery.   Â
What is the process of getting an implant crown?
The first step is getting implants. Implants are small titanium screws that function like artificial tooth roots. An implant will be inserted surgically into your jaw in the gap left by your missing tooth. Then, we’ll wait 2 to 6 months for the implant to fuse with your bone tissue. Once the implant has healed, we’ll attach a connector (abutment) to support your new tooth and your dental crown to replace your lost tooth.
Who qualifies for implants and implant crowns?
Good health, good oral health, and sufficient bone density to support implants are the general qualifications for getting implants. Smokers are not ideal candidates, as smoking can interfere with the healing process. Dr. Kelley will evaluate your teeth and gums and assess your overall health to determine if implants are viable for you.
What can I eat after getting an implant crown?
You can eat most of the same foods as you would with natural teeth. However, we recommend avoiding hard, chewy, or sticky foods, as they tend to pull on the crown and could ruin your treatment.
What’s the lifespan of an implant crown?
That depends on your diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits. With good oral care, a porcelain or zirconia crown can last over ten years, while metal crowns have generally been known to last a lifetime, depending upon the health of the supporting implant. Good oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings will help keep your crown going strong for years.
Who offers implant-supported crowns near me?
For quality implant crown treatment, contact Dr. Jonathan Kelley and the team at Kelley Family Dental Center in Albuquerque, NM, at 505-898-4504.
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Dr. Jonathan Kelley
Dr. Jonathan Kelley received his Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from Idaho State University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry. During this time, he was the Class President for four years, Student Body President in his senior year, and Ethics Committee Chairman for his school’s American Student Dental Association Chapter.
Dr. Gretchen Kelley
Dr. Gretchen Kelley received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry, where she met her husband, Dr. Jonathan.
Both doctors are members of the American Dental Association and New Mexico Dental Association.