Treatment – Single Tooth
Implant Supported Crowns
Understanding the anatomy of a natural tooth is the first step in learning about dental implants. Each tooth has a root that anchors into the jaw bone. This root is only visible through the use of an x-ray. Each tooth also has a crown which is visible when looking into a patient's mouth. When a tooth is lost, both the root and the crown must be replaced. A dental implant actually replaces a lost root. Following placement of a dental implant, a crown can be placed on the implant which then gives the patient a complete new tooth. Fabrication and placement of a new crown is performed by the patient's general dentist, also called the restorative dentist. When placing a dental implant, there must be adequate bone and gum tissue to attain the best possible esthetic result. We specialize in creating and maintaining the bone and gum tissue, and in placing the implant in an optimum position so that a good esthetic result can be delivered by the restorative dentist. Even the best restorative dentist cannot give the patient a good result if the surgeon places the dental implant in a poor position. As an experienced surgeons, we understand what the restorative dentist needs, and will help the restorative dentist by placing the implant in the correct position. With the help of guide splints provided by the restorative dentist, optimum results can be achieved. Once we have completed implant placement and the area has healed adequately, we will notify the restorative dentist that the patient is ready to have the crown placed. In some instances a temporary crown can be placed on the same day of implant placement. However, this is usually only done for appearances for anterior teeth, or those teeth which show in a patient's smile. A single temporary crown is not intended to be put in function until the bone has healed around the newly placed dental implant. This generally takes two to four months on the lower arch and four to six months on the upper arch. If there is extensive bone reconstruction done at the time of implant placement, the healing time can extend to six to eight months. |
This case was done by extracting the tooth, placing the implant, and placing a bone graft all at the same time. The final restoration is shown one year after placement:
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Failing Natural Tooth with Crown |
X-ray of Implant with New Crown |
One Year Post-Operative Photo |
This is a case where the patient was congenitally missing one of her permanent lateral incisors:
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Patient with a congenitally missing lateral incisor |
X-ray of Implant with Final Crown |
2 Year Post-Operative Photo |
This is a case where the patient was congenitally missing both of his permanent lateral incisors:
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Patient with congenitally missing lateral incisors |
X-ray after Dental Implant Placement |
Post-Operative Photo of Final Restorations |
