Dental Implants and Crowns: What You Need To Know
Are you considering dental implants crowns? If so, you’ve come to the right place! This ultimate guide to dental implants and crowns answers all your questions and concerns about this popular procedure, including what it is, why you might need it, the procedure and healing process, and the potential risks and benefits.
Dental implants crowns are a reliable and effective way to restore your smile and function. They can be used to treat missing teeth, broken or damaged teeth, or to support and hold a bridge or dentures in place. Understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision and feel more comfortable and informed when visiting the dentist. With this guide in hand, you’ll feel confident and prepared for your dental implants crowns procedure.
What are dental implants and crowns?
Dental implants crowns are a dental restoration technique that uses the natural properties of teeth and gums to restore the health and function of your teeth. That means, unlike other treatments like bridges or dentures, dental implants crowns are actually integrated with your teeth, so they’re part of your body.
This level of integration means dental implants crowns don’t just treat the symptoms of missing teeth — they treat the root cause, restoring the tooth and supporting the surrounding tissues. This is why dental implants crowns are great solutions to replace missing teeth and give you a confident smile!
Reasons for getting dental implants and crowns
Missing teeth can have a serious impact on your oral health, self-esteem, and quality of life. It can be difficult to eat and speak properly with missing teeth, and the remaining teeth may be put under increased strain.
The best way to treat missing teeth and maintain your oral health is to replace them with dental implants crowns. Dental implants crowns are used for a variety of reasons, including: Retaining dental health – Missing teeth can increase the risk of developing gum disease, bone loss, and other oral health issues.
Replacing missing teeth
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants crowns can help alleviate these issues and maintain healthy gums and bone. Improved quality of life – Missing teeth can affect your ability to properly chew and speak, and cause embarrassment and self-esteem issues. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants crowns can help you enjoy eating and speaking normally again, and boost your confidence.
The dental implants and crowns procedure
First, your dentist will determine the best placement for your dental implants crowns based on the health and condition of your mouth, and the type of dental implants and crowns you’re getting. They’ll make sure that the position of your dental implants and crowns will allow them to function properly and that they won’t put unnecessary strain on your surrounding teeth.
Your dentist will then carefully remove the soft tissue around your teeth, creating a space for your dental implants crowns. They’ll make a precise dental cast of your teeth, which they’ll use to create your dental implants and crowns.
Depending on the type of dental implants crowns you’re receiving, your dentist may use a variety of materials to construct your crowns, including porcelain, zirconia, gold, or a combination of materials. Your dental implants crowns will be permanently cemented in place when your dentist is confident that they’re properly placed and integrated with your mouth.
The healing process after the procedure
When you’re ready for your dental implants crowns to be placed and attached, you can expect some swelling and discomfort. This will last for a few days, and you can take simple steps to alleviate the pain and speed up the healing process.
Care
You should avoid biting or chewing on the side with the dental implants crowns until the swelling subsides, and avoid heavy or excessive exercise that day and the next day. Make sure to take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever to help alleviate any pain or swelling.
You can also apply ice packs to the area to help reduce swelling. The dental implants crowns procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with mild sedation, and you’ll be able to go home that same day.
Benefits of dental implants and crowns
Dental implants crowns provide many advantages, including: Retaining dental health – Replacing missing teeth with dental implants crowns can help prevent or alleviate issues like bone loss, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity, and can help retain your other teeth.
Improved quality of life – Missing teeth can affect your ability to properly chew and speak, and cause embarrassment and self-esteem issues. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants crowns can help you enjoy eating and speaking normally again, and boost your confidence.
Potential risks of dental implants and crowns
Like any procedure, there are some potential risks associated with dental implants crowns, including: Infection or other complications with the healing process – Infection is the most common risk associated with dental implants and crowns, but it can be easily treated with antibiotics and good oral hygiene.
Unsightly appearance – Dental implants crowns aren’t meant to be visible, but some patients may experience shifting or migration of the dental implantscrowns. This can happen due to changes in your bite, or dental and oral health issues. If this happens, your dentist can make adjustments or recommend treatment to help correct the shifting or migration.
Tips for dental implants and crowns aftercare
Your dental implants and crowns will be carefully positioned in your mouth, but they’ll still require special care to stay healthy and keep you smiling. To keep your dental implants and crowns healthy, you’ll want to: Brush your teeth – Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily to maintain good oral health and reduce the risk of decay.
Floss your teeth – Floss once a day or use an interdental cleaner to remove any trapped food or bacteria between your teeth that brushing can’t reach. Clean around your dental implants and crowns – Use antibiotics swabs or water irrigations to clean around your dental implants and crowns to reduce the risk of infection.
Cost of dental implants and crowns
The cost of dental implants and crowns depends on the type of dental implants and crowns you receive, the materials used, your dentist’s office, and your location. Overall, dental implants and crowns are more expensive than most other restorative procedures, but they’re also extremely effective and long-lasting.
While dental implants and crowns may be expensive, they’re well worth the investment when you consider the few things that are necessary for everyday life, especially eating and speaking. It’s important to remember that dental insurance covers some, but not all, dental implants and crowns procedures.
Your dental insurance will likely only cover the cost of one or two dental implants and crowns per person per lifetime. Make sure to check your dental insurance policy to see what it covers, and if it covers dental implants crowns.
Alternatives to dental implants and crowns
If you’re missing teeth, you may have considered dental implants crowns to replace them. While dental implants and crowns are a great solution, they aren’t the only one. There are a few alternative treatment options to consider, including: Partial dentures – Partial dentures are removable appliances that attach to the remaining teeth and gums, and they can be a good alternative to dental implantscrowns.
Full dentures – Full dentures are another removable appliance used to replace missing teeth, but they’re less effective than dental implants crowns. Bridge work – Bridging is a less-than-permanent solution that uses existing teeth to support dental implants crowns. While these alternatives can work for some people, they’re less effective than dental implants and crowns.
Questions to ask your dentist before getting dental implants and crowns
Before getting dental implantscrowns, it’s important to understand the process, risks, and potential complications. You can do this by asking your dentist these questions: Are there other treatment options that would be better for me? What kind of dental implants and crowns do you recommend? Why? What are the benefits of the dental
