SINGLE TOOTH MISSING

Benefits of an all-ceramic crown on implant:

When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

Treatment:

This procedure normally includes several visits to Dr. Miller and your dentist. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant placed.

COURSE OF TREATMENT

PLACEMENT OF THE NEW TOOTH – STEP-BY-STEP

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

1: Before the procedure
Dr. Miller makes a first examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.

2: Placing the implant
The implant is placed and allowed to heal. Occasionally your dentist may place a temporary tooth on the same day the implant is placed.

3: Attaching the new crown
The final step is the placement of the crown by your general dentist. The new crown is screwed or cemented on the implant. General maintenance is needed to preserve the health of your implant.

 4: End result
You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Perform your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean.

ALTERNATIVES TO AN ALL-CERAMIC CROWN ON IMPLANT

 Tooth-supported fixed bridge
A traditional bridge involves grinding down 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 resorption in the edentulous area (the area without a tooth), and removing the protective enamel of the healthy teeth in order to have a bridge placed. This bridge will have to be replaced several times throughout your lifetime. 

Removable partial denture
This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic – a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist. It is easily and quickly installed and inexpensive. However the forces of the denture can affect the teeth adjacent to the space and cause them to loosen.