Dental implants have become a preferred tooth replacement solution. They look natural, function well, and help to preserve facial bone. Careful attention to implant crowns can make a big difference in the longevity of the restoration and patient satisfaction.Â
Drs. Ryan Lepore and Erin Dougherty at Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry take pride in this area of concierge dentistry, giving patients from the Dunedin, FL area one more thing to smile about.
Implant Basics
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. The device is implanted into the jawbone, where it becomes solidly fused. That process of osseointegration forms a strong foundation for the restoration – the dental crown that completes your smile and allows you to chew. A post, called an abutment, connects the crown to the implant.
Implant Vs. Bridge
Many patients ask if they should do a bridge instead of an implant or vice versa. Our philosophy is as long as a patient is medically stable, an implant usually serves as a better tooth replacement option over a bridge. An Implant is independent and is cleaned individually, separate from the adjacent teeth. Many patients are disappointed when a bridge fails that ALL teeth in the bridge complex need to be replaced, even if it affects only one tooth of a bridge. Patients usually find that implants are easier to keep clean and maintain.
Options In Implant Crowns
With any treatment you receive here, you have an assurance that care is planned and performed for optimal results in your unique situation. Implant crowns are no exception.
- Cemented: Dental cement can attach an implant crown to the abutment. Drs. Lepore and Dougherty recommend this method for beautiful esthetics in the anterior (front teeth). A wide variety of implant positions can be accommodated with cemented crowns, and the restoration can be removed without damage if that ever becomes necessary.
- Screw-retained: A tiny screw is placed through an access hole to secure the crown to the abutment, and a bit of composite bonding material hides the opening. Screw retention can be a good choice for molars subjected to extreme bite force. This technique is also advised for immediate load (same day) implants and provisional (temporary) restorations, sometimes placed while soft tissues heal. A screw-retained crown is easily removed.
Personalized Implant Crowns For Long-Lasting Results
At Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry, every implant crown is custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring that both function and esthetics are prioritized. We carefully match the shade, shape, and size of the crown to the rest of your smile, so you can enjoy a restoration that feels and looks completely natural. Whether you choose a cemented or screw-retained crown, our attention to detail ensures that your implant crown will provide lasting comfort, stability, and beauty. We are committed to creating results that not only restore your smile but also help to preserve the integrity of your overall oral health.
At Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry, we treat implant crowns as part of a larger strategy of preserving oral health, overall wellness, and gorgeous smiles. Contact Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry in Dunedin, FL, to talk with Drs. Lepore and Dougherty about your options.
