Dental Implants

Dental Implants

How do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants replace broken or missing teeth. A natural tooth gets replaced with a natural-looking artificial tooth. These artificial teeth are made to look and work just like your healthy teeth and are generally much stronger than a crown. Dental implants can last a lifetime if proper care, such as regular flowing and brushing. Whether you need one replaced or an entire mouthful of teeth, we can help you keep your beautiful smile or improve the smile you already have.

How does the Dental Implant Process Work?

Call to schedule an initial consultation to evaluate your oral health and provide you with treatment options for replacement teeth that work for you and your lifestyle. You can also meet our staff and discuss payment and insurance options as well as discuss sedation options to help you remain comfortable while the procedure is being done. 

If you’re interested in restoring your smile permanently, Dr. Cantu can provide you with a natural, beautiful, and bright smile. Learn more about dental implant restorations below, or contact us now to schedule your appointment.

What Are Dental Implant Restorations?

Dental implant restorations are the second part of the dental implant procedure. In the first part of the procedure, you will have a dental implant (abutment) surgically placed into your gum and jaw tissue. This implant is designed to permanently bond with your natural tissue and functions as an artificial root. So, if the implant is the artificial root, a dental implant restoration (implant crown) is the artificial tooth that is used to restore your smile. A high-quality dental implant restoration is essential for providing you with a natural, beautiful smile.

Dental implant crowns are the most common type of dental implant restoration and are used along with one dental implant (abutment) to restore a single missing tooth. However, implant-supported bridges can attach to multiple dental implants and restore multiple missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures, which attach to a series of 4-6 implants, are also sometimes used to restore your smile if you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, and you want a treatment that’s more durable and long-lasting compared to traditional dentures.

Why Would I Need a Dental Implant Restoration?

A dental implant restoration (implant crown) is a natural part of the implant placement process. 

It may also be needed if you have an older dental implant, and your current restoration (implant crown) is wearing out. While the dental implant itself is surgically implanted into your gums and jaw and has a 30+ year lifespan, your dental implant restoration usually won’t last quite as long because they are exposed to the pressure and force of chewing and biting, which can wear them out. You may need to have a new restoration (implant crown) placed to ensure that your smile looks and feels its best.

Through a series of consultations, your dentist will work with you to evaluate your oral health, make impressions and take images, and complete the planning of your new smile. 

The Dental Implant Restoration Process

You’ll be fitted for a dental implant restoration (implant crown) as part of the healing and recovery process after your dental implant surgery, (or when replacing a restoration becomes necessary.) During the 3–6-month healing period, you’ll come into our office to have your mouth examined and to ensure that your implant is healing properly. During this time, Dr. Cantu will take impressions and images of your smile, and begin designing your implant restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. Then, he will work with a dental lab to create your new tooth or teeth and ensure they fit perfectly. Once your implant has healed, you’ll come in for a final appointment at our office. We’ll check the fit of your restoration to make sure it’s perfect, then Dr. Cantu will bond it into place permanently, restoring your smile.