Dental crowns can serve many different purposes in the realm of dentistry. Crowns can be used to protect cracked and damaged teeth. They can also protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. Additionally, dental crowns can be used to help people who are missing one or more teeth.
When combined with dental implants, dental crowns can act as prosthetics that allow people to bite, chew, and smile easily. Getting a dental crown implant is a multi-step process that can span several months. Here are some of the things patients will experience during this process:
1. Your dentist will take thorough x-rays.
X-rays assist dentists in their work, allowing them to observe the structures in the mouth that are usually hidden by tissue. Before you undergo dental implant surgery, your dentist will take thorough X-rays of your entire oral cavity. They may also take 3D images of your mouth in order to more clearly see your jawbone. The results of these X-rays will allow your dentist to see if you are a viable candidate for dental implants.
2. You may have to schedule a bone graft procedure.
Endosteal dental implants are inserted into a patient's jawbone through their gums. For a successful dental implant procedure, sufficient bone mass must be present in the jaw. If your jawbone is too slim due to genetics or bone erosion, you may need to undergo a bone graft procedure before receiving implants. During a bone graft procedure, your dentist will use a piece of your own bone or an artificial substitute to add more mass to your jaw.
3. Your dentist will install your dental implant using local anesthesia.
Dental implants are typically installed while patients are conscious. During the surgery, your dentist will make an incision in your gums. They will then use a tool to drill a hole in your jaw where your dental implant will be inserted. Once your dental implant is securely fastened in your mouth, you will be sent home and allowed to recover for several months until your dental implant has fully fused to your jawbone.
4. Your dental crown will be attached to your dental implant.
Once your mouth has recovered from dental implant surgery, you will return to your dentist to have your dental crown put in place. In some cases, dental crowns and abutments are made as single pieces that seamlessly attach to a patient's dental implant. In other cases, dental crowns are attached separately using a screw mechanism. This type of dental crown installation allows a patient's dentist to easily remove dental crowns during exams and cleanings if necessary.