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Dental implants are a long-term option for replacing missing teeth. They can help restore chewing ability, support a natural-looking smile, and help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the space left by a missing tooth.
An implant is designed to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant has been surgically placed in the jaw and has healed, a dental crown or other restoration can be attached to restore the visible portion of the tooth.
At St James Dental Group, we provide implant crown restorations for patients who have dental implants. If you are considering dental implants, we can discuss the restorative portion of treatment and help you understand your options.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium or other biocompatible post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
Over time, the implant can integrate with the surrounding bone. Once the implant has healed and is ready for restoration, a dental crown can be attached to replace the visible portion of the missing tooth.
When several teeth are missing, implants may also be used to support a dental bridge or an implant-supported denture, depending on the patient’s needs and treatment plan.
What Is an Implant Crown?
The crown is the part of an implant restoration that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
After the implant has been placed and healed, an implant crown can be designed to fit comfortably with the surrounding teeth and restore the appearance and function of the smile.
Our office provides implant crown restorations for patients who have dental implants. The surgical placement of the implant itself is performed by an implant surgeon or other dental specialist.
Who May Benefit From Dental Implants?
Dental implants may be an option for people who are missing one or more teeth.
Depending on your individual situation, implants may be used to replace:
- A single missing tooth
- Several missing teeth
- Multiple teeth with an implant-supported bridge
- Missing teeth for patients who need additional support for a denture
Not everyone is automatically a candidate for dental implants. Bone levels, gum health, overall health, and other factors need to be evaluated by the dental professionals involved in your treatment.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants can offer several advantages compared with some other tooth-replacement options.
Natural-Looking Appearance
An implant crown can be designed to closely match the color, shape, and appearance of your natural teeth.
Restored Chewing Function
Replacing a missing tooth can help restore your ability to chew comfortably and function normally.
Support for Your Smile
A missing tooth can affect the position of neighboring teeth. Replacing the tooth can help maintain the space and overall alignment of your smile.
No Removable Appliance for a Single Implant Crown
Unlike a removable partial denture, an individual implant crown is fixed in place once it has been restored.
Preservation of the Jawbone
The implant portion of treatment is placed into the jawbone and can provide stimulation to the surrounding bone. This is different from a traditional removable tooth replacement.
Confidence in Your Smile
Replacing a missing tooth can improve the appearance of your smile and may help you feel more comfortable when speaking, eating, and smiling.
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth-Replacement Options
Dental implants are one of several ways to replace missing teeth. Depending on your situation, alternatives may include:
Dental implants: A surgically placed implant supports a crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental bridges: A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth and is supported by neighboring teeth or implants.
Partial dentures: A removable appliance can replace several missing teeth.
Complete dentures: Removable dentures can replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
The best option depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of the surrounding teeth and gums, bone levels, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can provide long-term tooth replacement, but their longevity varies from patient to patient.
Good oral hygiene, regular dental examinations, healthy gums, and appropriate professional care can help maintain the implant and its restoration.
The implant itself and the crown are separate components, and the crown may eventually need repair or replacement due to normal wear.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Dental insurance coverage for implants varies significantly between plans. Some plans may provide partial benefits for certain parts of implant treatment, while others may have exclusions or limitations.
Because coverage depends on your specific plan, we recommend reviewing your dental insurance benefits and asking your insurance provider about coverage before beginning treatment.
Our office can also help you understand the dental treatment being recommended and the expected fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does your office place dental implants?
Our office provides implant crown restorations. The surgical placement of the dental implant is performed by an implant surgeon or other dental specialist.
What is an implant crown?
An implant crown is the tooth-shaped restoration attached to a dental implant after the implant has healed. It replaces the visible portion of the missing tooth.
Can an implant replace one missing tooth?
Yes. A single dental implant can support an individual crown and replace a single missing tooth without requiring the neighboring teeth to support a traditional bridge.
Can dental implants replace several missing teeth?
Depending on the situation, multiple implants may support individual crowns, a bridge, or an implant-supported denture.
Are dental implants removable?
A single implant crown is generally fixed in place and is not removed by the patient. Implant-supported dentures may be removable or fixed depending on the type of restoration.
How do I know if dental implants are right for me?
A dental professional will need to evaluate your oral health, gums, bone levels, medical history, and the location of the missing tooth or teeth. If you are considering implants, we can discuss the restorative options and help coordinate care as appropriate.
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Restore Your Smile After Tooth Loss
If you are missing a tooth and want to learn more about dental implants and implant crown restorations, call (323) 771-7254 to schedule an appointment.
We can discuss your dental needs, explain the restorative options available to you, and help you understand the next steps in the process.