SINGLE TOOTH MISSING
Benefits of an all-ceramic crown on implant:
When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
In this case, a so-called one-piece implant is used. This means that all components are installed as a single unit, resulting in immediately full functioning teeth, shorter treatment time and minimized pain.
- Immediately functioning teeth
- Excellent esthetic result
- Life long, stable solution
Treatment:
This procedure normally includes four visits to the Periodontist. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant placed.
COURSE OF TREATMENT
INSTALLING THE NEW TOOTH – STEP-BY-STEP
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your Periodontist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
1: Before the procedure
The Periodontist makes a first examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.
2: Installing the implant
The implant is placed. At this time, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you to eat and function like normal almost immediately. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken.
3: Attaching the new crown
The final step is the placement of the permanent ceramic tooth. The new tooth is installed for life. No additional treatment is needed.
4: End result
You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Perform your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean.
ALTERNATIVES TO AN ALL-CERAMIC CROWN ON IMPLANT
Tooth-supported fixed bridge
A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorption in the edentulous area (the area without a tooth), and removing the protective enamel of the healthy teeth in order to have a bridge placed. This bridge will have to be replaced several times throughout your lifetime.
Removable partial denture
This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic – a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist. It is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap. However the forces of the denture can affect the teeth adjacent to the space and cause them to loosen.
Resin-bonded bridge
This alternative has some clear advantages: it is quickly installed, functions well and, since it is made of ceramic, it gives a high esthetic result. Moreover, natural healthy teeth aren't affected. But it is not very permanent. The resin-bonded bridge will eventually come off – probably after just a couple of years – and will then have to be reinstalled.