Permanent implant crowns are the best choice in cases of tooth loss or irreparable damage. Teeth consist of a root inserted into the maxillary bone and a crown, the white part of the tooth. Implants mimic this structure with screws that serve as roots and support an artificial crown or a prosthesis with multiple teeth.
In this regard, a crown on a permanent implant replaces a broken or infected tooth. This procedure is necessary when the tooth’s root has been compromised, and healing is impossible. On the other hand, dentists install a crown without an implant when both the root and the tooth need coverage, but the damage does not affect the root.
This case is typical for diseased teeth that require cauterization, and the damage compromises the bite. Crowns without implants cover the damaged tooth and facilitate the patient’s bite. On the other hand, permanent implant crowns replace the entire piece with a zirconium or titanium screw and a porcelain or ceramic prosthesis.
Benefits of Permanent Implant Crowns
Restoration of Chewing Function: Permanent implant crowns allow patients to regain full chewing function, enabling them to eat and speak comfortably and confidently. These crowns are as solid and stable as natural teeth, making it easy to chew various foods and pronounce words correctly.
Long-Term Durability: If properly cared for, permanent implant crowns are designed to last many years, even a lifetime. This offers a long-lasting dental restoration option for patients.
Natural Appearance: Implant crowns are made from high-quality materials that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. This ensures that the result is aesthetic and that the patient’s smile looks natural and attractive.
Stability and Comfort: Unlike removable dentures, permanent implant crowns securely fuse with the jawbone. This provides exceptional strength, eliminating the need to worry about them slipping or falling during daily use. Furthermore, they do not cause discomfort or irritation in the gums, as dentures sometimes do.
Preservation of Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, implant crowns do not require the reduction of adjacent teeth for placement. This helps preserve the surrounding dental structure and promotes long-term oral health.
Improved Self-Esteem: Restoring a complete and functional smile with permanent implant crowns can significantly impact patients’ self-esteem and confidence. It allows them to feel secure and proud of their appearance, which can positively affect their overall quality of life.
Ease of Care: Maintaining permanent implant crowns is similar to caring for natural teeth. Patients need to follow a routine of brushing and flossing and regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings.
Durability and Longevity of Permanent Implant Crowns
Permanent implants, precisely the screws inserted into the maxillary bone, are made of titanium. This material is biocompatible and typically integrates with the bone. This technique was designed to remain in the patient’s mouth for a lifetime. With proper installation and timely care, the implant has high durability.
The lifespan of permanent implants ranges from 20 to 25 years. However, with reasonable care, longevity can be much more significant. The primary issue that can reduce the implant’s lifespan is hygiene. Bacteria can inflame the gums and the tissue around the crown.
Over time, this inflammation can lead to bone wear, resulting in the detachment of the screw from the jaw. Therefore, oral hygiene is crucial to increase the procedure’s longevity. Additionally, porcelain or ceramic crowns can fracture when biting on rigid objects or due to poor cleaning and bacterial buildup.
The Crown Implant Procedure
To undergo the implant procedure, it is first necessary to consult with a specialist. Based on your case’s needs, the specialist will recommend either implanting an implant or working with healthy roots in your mouth. In the case of deciding to use permanent implants, the following steps are taken:
- The specialist determines if the bone and oral tissue are healthy enough to place the implant. Based on their findings, a specific implant process is established. In some cases, bone grafting may be necessary.
- In a procedure that takes about thirty minutes, the titanium piece that will serve as the crown’s root is placed. Anesthesia may be necessary, and the wound is sutured.
- A provisional metal piece is placed over the implant to prevent gum growth and the entry of foreign bodies into the wound. The patient can go home during the osseointegration process (the implant adapting to the bone).
- X-rays are taken before or after the procedure to produce the desired crown. After taking the measurements, the height is made in porcelain or ceramic in the laboratory.
- The final piece is placed in a second session, in a week or two, the time needed for wound healing and crown creation.
Before placing the crown on the implant, the wound needs to have healed, and the adaptation of the titanium piece can be verified. The procedure is usually safe and minimally invasive. However, there are cases in which greater risk may be involved, such as for smokers, damage to blood vessels and adjacent teeth, or implant infection.
Why Choose Implant-Supported Crowns?
Implant-supported crowns are an excellent option for replacing lost or irreparably damaged teeth. Titanium implants are also used in hip replacements and bone fractures. This experience demonstrates the material’s effectiveness in adapting to the human body.
Their primary advantage is their practicality and durability. Practically, patients can smile and eat as if they had natural teeth. They are rooted in the maxilla and made from tested materials, so they do not differ significantly from natural teeth.
On the other hand, crowns that cover damaged teeth help solve the problem of specific teeth. However, their design and relationship with the tooth make them less durable. Cemented crowns wear out more quickly and need to be replaced more frequently.
Consult with Your Specialist
It’s a good idea to seek a specialist to evaluate your case. Implant-supported crowns often improve the quality of life for patients who have lost teeth due to accidents or health problems. This is due to their durability and the practicality of the technique. However, only a specialist can assess and apply the relevant methods.
Some patients need a prosthesis to replace a group of teeth, while others only need to replace a damaged tooth. The diagnosis depends on the dentist’s evaluation of the specific case. If you want a quote and assessment, contact International X Dental Clinic.
Our clinic is in Juárez, Chihuahua, with experienced specialists and state-of-the-art equipment. Its location on the border with the United States makes it easy for American citizens to access oral health services.
