Having a missing or severely damaged tooth can have lasting implications for your smile. Beyond the unsightly nature of these teeth, they also cannot provide sufficient support to the neighboring teeth. The jawbone can shrink over time when teeth are missing, providing less support and strength to the jaw. Dental implants and crowns effectively restore strength and function to a smile with damaged or missing teeth.
Crowns, Dental Implants, And Your Smile
Crowns are dental restorations that replaces the majority of the target tooth’s material with a crown. These crowns are generally made of ceramic, metal, or a hybrid. They’re used when the tooth’s core is still healthy, but significant dental material has been lost. They can also be provided as part of a root canal procedure.
Dental implants are titanium mounting posts that are screwed into the jawbone. The metal properties used to cause these screws to physically bond with the jaw’s bone over time. This makes them an incomparable base for mounting crowns. This dental technology has made it possible to completely restore form and function to any smile.
The process of receiving dental implants includes:
- Preparation – Any teeth that need to be extracted are taken at this point. A period of healing may be required following the removal of these teeth. Incisions will be made into the gum to access the bone when not required. A pilot hole will be drilled into the jaw where each implant will be set. A titanium mounting screw will be drilled into each of these holes, and the incisions closed.
- Abutment – After the healing process is complete, often over a period of months, the incisions will be reopened. Abutments, the mounting point for the implants, will be put in place on these screws. While these new incisions are healing, you’ll be fitted with a temporary set of crowns.
- Final Placement – Once the healing process is complete, Dr. Cadavid will set your final crowns in place. Once fitted, they will only need to be removed at your bi-annual visits.
Dental implants are quite easy to care for. Your standard dental hygiene routine will keep them beautiful and functioning well between visits. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are all required to keep them looking great for a lifetime.
Contact Us In Santa Barbara, CA, To Learn More
Crowns and dental implants profoundly impact the lives of patients who receive them each year. They can return to eating their favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile with pride. Begin your journey to a beautiful, restored smile by calling for a consultation today. It will be arranged for you to meet with Dr. Cadavid. During your visit, they’ll perform a thorough dental exam and discuss your dental concerns with you. Following this consultation, a treatment plan will be devised, and your first appointment scheduled! Before long, you’ll have a beautiful and functional smile again!
