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Implant-Supported Crowns, Bridges & Dentures
At Dr. Rachel Navaneelan & Associates our Cornwall dentists may place a denture, bridge or crown following dental implant surgery as part of the process to replace a missing tooth and leave you with a natural-looking smile.
What is an Implant-Supported Crown, Bridge or Denture?
At Dr. Rachel Navaneelan & Associates, we use implant-supported crowns, bridges or dentures to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of your smile.
It's imperative to replace missing teeth to prevent issues with facial structure, bite and jaw, in addition to preventing misalignment due to other teeth shifting to fill the gap.
To accomplish this, your dentist surgically places a dental implant (a titanium screw that functions like a natural tooth root) into the jaw bone, waits for it to heal, then tops it with a tooth replacement such as a crown, bridge or denture. Our dentists can perform implant procedures and oral surgeries on-site at our Cornwall clinic.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
When a tooth is missing, teeth surrounding the gap may begin to shift out of place, which can lead to misalignment issues. The jaw bone around the area may also start to break down, causing facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to speak and chew. After a dental implant is placed, we can replace teeth with a crown, bridge or denture.
The Dental Implant Procedure
To perform a dental implant procedure, your dentist will need a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement such as a crown, bridge or denture.
Your dentist will start by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone, underneath the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Once healing is complete (typically 3 to 6 months post-surgery), patients return to our office to have the procedure completed.
During this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement to the implant to create the look and function of a natural tooth.
While crowns are porcelain caps used to cover dental implants, bridges are bonded to existing teeth to replace a section of missing teeth, effectively 'bridging' the gap. Implant-supported dentures are attached to implants in the jawbone, and can tolerate the force generated by biting and chewing better than conventional dentures.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Dr. Rachel Navaneelan & Associates.
- How long does a dental implant last?
Provided your implant is cared for properly, it can last a lifetime. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, in addition to attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
A dental implant's longevity can also be determined by other factors including nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
Care for a dental implant just like you care for your natural teeth.
Seeing your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent decay or diseases from growing in the surrounding teeth and gums, which can negatively impact your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will provide anesthesia to ensure you feel comfortable so you won't feel experience pain during the procedure.
After the procedure, patients do not typically feel much discomfort. Most pain can be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
A soft diet will also be needed for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure to avoid any pain or irritation.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your treatment plan, the dental implant procedure usually takes between two and nine months to complete.
Your dentist can provide you with a more precise timeline based on your specific case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Though the cost of dental implants will be covered by some insurance plans, others will only pay a portion of the cost, while still others won't pay for any percentage of it.
To determine which part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance plan, check with your insurance provider.