At
Milltown Dental we encourage our patients to explore all the options available to replace their lost teeth. Implant crowns and bridges are an excellent option as they offer a tooth replacement solution that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but that’s just as stable as your natural teeth.
What are implant crowns and bridges?
Crowns are used to cap a natural tooth that is not sound enough for basic restorations, like as fillings. Bridges are used to replace a single missing tooth — or teeth — and is affixed to neighbouring teeth to hold it in place.
In the case of implant crowns and bridges, an implanted titanium post is used to secure the crown to the jaw much like a natural root. The small titanium post provides a sound root, as it is planted within the jawbone. It can be used to secure a crown to replace one tooth or provide additional stability to a bridge when replacing more multiple teeth.
What are the benefits of implant crowns and bridges?
Implant crowns and bridges offer many benefits including:
- A strong, natural feeling bite
- They can last for decades with the proper care
- They resemble the look of natural teeth
- Crowns and bridges keep teeth from shifting
- The implants stimulate the jaw to prevent bone deterioration
How are implant crowns and bridges inserted?
Dr. Julie Boudreault will first consult with you to determine if you are a suitable candidate for crown and bridge implants. The main goal of the initial consultation is to determine whether your jaw bone is strong enough to support the crown or bridge, and to ensure that you don’t have any signs of gum disease or other oral issues that may complicate the procedure.
Once you’ve been deemed a good candidate, the first step is the insertion of the implants. An incision is made in your gums and the implants are inserted into your jaw bone. Following the insertion, it can take a few months for your mouth to heal and a bond to form between your bone and the titanium posts. Once Dr. Boudreault confirms that your implants have taken hold, you will be ready to have an abutment attached to your implants. This abutment is used to connect your replacement teeth to your implants. In some cases, the abutment is attached at the time of the post-insertion surgery.
Impressions and images are taken of your mouth and your crown or bridges will be designed to match your existing teeth. The crowns and bridges are crafted at a dental lab and will be delivered to our office. At your final appointment, your crowns will be assessed to ensure they are perfectly suited for look and colour, as well as fit. Screws on the posts are used to attach your crowns.
If you believe a crown or bridge may be right for you, give us a call today at (905) 878-8528 to learn more.
