A Few Things To Know About Getting A Crown For Your Dental Implant
An implant with a crown is often a better choice for restoring a lost tooth than a bridge with a crown. An implant is a small rod that is placed under the gum and screwed into your bone. The implant holds the crown securely and it also helps keep your bone stimulated and healthy. This can prevent bone loss that commonly occurs after pulling a tooth. Here's a look at getting a crown for your implant.
You Can Choose The Crown Material
Just like any type of crown, you can choose the material an implant crown is made of. If the tooth is in the front and highly visible when you smile, you may prefer porcelain as a material since it looks the most like a natural tooth. Resin crowns are not as reflective as porcelain so they aren't quite as natural looking, but they are less expensive. Gold is another option and a good choice for a back tooth since gold is very strong and lasts a long time.
The Crown Can Be Cemented Or Screwed Into Place
Your dentist can attach the implant crown with cement or screw it into place. A small abutment attaches the tooth to the implant so it is easier to work with. Your dentist will choose the ideal method depending on the location of the implant and type of crown. Screwing is often preferred since it makes it easier to remove the crown to replace it if the crown is chipped at some time in the future. However, cementing the crown to the abutment might be the better choice on a front tooth where a screw might show.
You May Get The Crown Right Away Or Wait
Advances in implant dentistry have made it so you can often get your implant and crown on the same day. Originally, time elapsed between the two procedures to allow your gums to heal and the implant to fuse with your bone. In some instances, your dentist may prefer a waiting period before attaching the crown. You may even want to wait if you need time to save money for the crown after paying for an implant.
You May Need The Crowns Replaced In The Future
Crowns last a long time, especially those made of porcelain or gold. However, they can wear out eventually, or they can crack or chip. While the implant should last for years, maybe even the rest of your life, crowns typically won't last that long. You may eventually need to have the crown replaced, but it will probably be attached to the same implant. You can ensure a longer life for your new implant and crown by maintaining good oral health. While you don't have to worry about a crown decaying, the tooth can still be affected by gum disease that causes your gums to pull away from the tooth. Advanced gum disease can even affect your bone and that might affect the stability of the implant.
Contact a clinic, like Serene Smiles Dentistry, for more help.