IMPLANT CROWNS. An implant crown is the closest thing to a natural tooth. Made from titanium or ceramic, these cylinders are implanted directly into the jawbone and replace the root of the tooth that was removed. This implant forms the anchor for a crown or a bridge, which is attached after the implant is fully integrated with the bone (also known as osseointegration).
One of the benefits of implant crowns is that the procedure does not sacrifice the health of adjacent teeth. Because an implant replaces a tooth's root, it helps keep the surrounding bone from wasting away, which naturally occurs when a tooth is lost. Implant crowns are not subject to decay or discoloration like enamel, and they look and function just like natural teeth.
IMPLANT BRIDGES. Implant bridges are a fixed implant prosthesis that may be a good solution for patients who are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws, but do not want removable appliances. These permanent implant reconstructions can help with that. Treatment options depend on your overall oral health, and often include several different procedures.
Multiple implants are placed in the jaw to support permanently cemented porcelain crowns or bridges. Sometimes, all the teeth in the jaw can be replaced in this manner. When using this approach, it is important to be sure that there is adequate support for the lips and facial soft tissues, as this can vary from patient to patient. Some patients may have a high lip line, which could expose areas of the gum and bone recession when they smile. If the lip support, bone support and smile line allow implant-supported porcelain bridges and crowns, they are the most natural-feeling and life-like options.
When additional lip support is required, a hybrid bridge may be a better option. A hybrid bridge is screw-retained and not removable by the patient. It can provide an acrylic support to allow for better lip support and mask areas of gum and bone recession.
Either of these options may also require additional planning and auxiliary procedures such as bone grafting, sinus lifts, CT scans, and surgical guides. These all help ensure more precise implant positioning and better support, and are especially useful when normal "landmarks" are missing.
Prosthodontists are trained in complex care management, which may include multiple dental specialists, outside medical treatment and advanced dental laboratory services. We supervise every aspect of the process very carefully to ensure that results meet exacting standards.
