Office: (770) 513-1312

SINGLE TOOTH MISSING

Benefits of an all-ceramic crown on an implant:
When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best long-term replacement after extraction is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

In this case, a titanium or zirconia implant is used, depending on the location in the mouth.

• – Sometimes we can produce an immediately functioning tooth
• – Excellent esthetic result
• – A long, stable solution

Treatment:
The total procedure normally includes visits with the oral surgeon/periodontist who placed the implant and requires a healing period (usually 3 to 6 months) for the implant so that it can integrate with the natural surrounding bone. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant installed.  You will then visit with Dr. Norton for the fabrication of the abutment and crown that will attach to the implant.

COURSE OF TREATMENT

INSTALLING THE NEW TOOTH – STEP-BY-STEP

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult Dr. Norton to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1: Before the procedure Dr. Norton makes a first examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure. The patient is then referred to an oral surgeon or periodontist for actual placement of the implant.  Many general dentists place implants themselves.  Dr. Norton is more comfortable using specialists who do things like that every day.  He feels that one can not do his best in absolutely every field of dentistry znc there  is always the danger of spreading one’s proficiencies too thin, so to speak.  It is reminiscent of the adage of being a ”jack of all trades and master of none.”

2: Installing the implant The implant is installed. At this time, a temporary tooth (mostly in the case of certain front teeth) may be provided that allows you eat and function with light foods almost immediately.  This is called an immediate loading implant. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken.

3: Making the impression and delivering the the new abutment and crownThe next step in the process is to make a special impression with a fixture attached to the implant. The laboratory then fabricates a custom abutment (the part that replacees the tooth that used to show in the mouth) and a porcelain crown to fit over the abutment.  The final step is the placement of the abutment and  porcelain crown.

4: End result You should expect the new “tooth” to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Do your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean and it should give you many good years of service.

ALTERNATIVES TO AN ALL-CERAMIC CROWN ON AN IMPLANT

	Tooth-supported fixed bridge A traditional bridge involves crown or onlay preparations on one or more adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorbtion in the area where teeth are missing, and removal of tooth structure from healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge.
	Removable partial denture This is not a good alternative for the replacement of a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic or nylon polymer – materials that can’t create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist: adjacent teeth aren’t affected. It is easily and quickly installed and relatively inexpensive.
	Resin-bonded bridge This alternative has some clear advantages: it is quickly installed, functions well and, since it is made of ceramic, it gives a high esthetic result. Moreover, natural healthy teeth aren’t affected. But is not very predictable with normal chewing forces. The resin-bonded bridge will eventually come off or break possibly after just a couple of years. It will then have to be reinstalled or remade.