When Would I Need an Implant Crown?

A missing tooth can cause issues with your self-esteem and the functionality of your bite. Among the available restoration options, an increasingly popular choice is an implant crown. Dental implants are not an option for everyone, and they do not work in every situation. For many people, however, they are the recommended solution to a missing tooth because of their advantages over other choices.

A dental implant has two parts. The first part is the implant, which is a metal device inserted surgically into the jaw bone. It serves as an anchor similar to the roots of a natural tooth. The second part is the implant crown, which is a fake tooth. It screws onto the implant device to secure it in place.

There are several reasons to get this type of dental device to replace a missing tooth:

The implant is the most natural solution to replacing a missing tooth. It looks and functions like real teeth. Because the metal implant acts like a tooth root, this dental device is secure and acts in a natural way.

It also looks normal. There is no excess metal showing or other oddities that would allow a casual observer to know it is not real, which makes these crowns aesthetically pleasing.

Arguably, the biggest advantage of implants is they function like a real tooth, and likely better than the previous tooth. If your old tooth was brittle, chipped, broken, or otherwise compromised, you may have had a difficult time chewing due to fear of causing more damage.

With an implant, you do not have such worries. They are securely in place and made from strong materials. You can eat anything you want without causing damage. Foods of all textures and temperatures should not impact the implant or crown negatively. In addition, you should have a bite strength equal almost to that of your natural teeth.

Other dental replacement options have limited lifespans and require routine care and replacement to remain effective and functional. The metal component of an implant should last you the rest of your life without any need for repairs or maintenance. According to the American Dental Association, an implant crown has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, depending on your dental health habits and any damage it may sustain, such as from grinding your teeth.

If your crown is for a front tooth, you may need to replace it sooner than 10 years. Your natural teeth may continue to change color due to staining from regularly using tobacco products or drinking coffee, so you may want to replace the crown to match the color changes in your real teeth.

Dealing with a missing tooth is more than just a cosmetic concern. When a permanent tooth is knocked out or has to be extracted, replacement is important for several reasons. First, a missing tooth can lead to an increased risk of damage in the surrounding teeth, as these now have to withstand more forces and pressure than before. This can lead to the wearing down of the enamel surface, cracks, and breaks.

Untreated tooth loss can also cause problems with tooth alignment, as the teeth can start to shift once a gap occurs. Crooked teeth can increase the risks of tooth decay and oral pain. Finally, a missing tooth can lead to problems with speech and digestion. Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant helps prevent these avoidable side effects.

Another reason tooth implants are such a popular choice among patients and dentists is the added benefit of bone tissue stimulation. The implant is inserted into the jaw bone, so every time you bite and chew, those osseous tissues deep below the surface are stimulated. This helps prevent bone loss, which can weaken the jaw bone and increase the risks for:

• Oral pain
• Damage to the jaw bone
• Fractures
• Changes in facial shape and appearance

Other tooth loss solutions, such as dental bridges, can help with many issues but do not aid in the prevention of bone loss, making implants a wise decision for those who are good candidates.