What to Expect With an Implant Crown or Bridge
While implant crowns and bridges are the strongest (best-gold standard of care) options when it comes to restoring one or more missing teeth, they require two minimally invasive steps, which usually take place several months apart. Implant restored crowns and bridges are the closest things to natural, beautiful, high functioning teeth. The implant fuses to the jaw bone and the entire restoration literally become part of your body. We can eat, drink, sleep, floss, and even be romantic as if we were born with them.
Step 1: Implant Embedding
After the records, history, and treatment plan have been reviewed and accepted:
The first step involves surgically embedding the titanium post into the jawbone to act as an anchor for the crown or bridge. This procedure is simple and easy in the hands of our expert implantologist. Start to finish it takes about thirty minutes. A small incision is made in the gum. Then the implant is torqued (gently screwed) into the proper place in the ridge of the jaw bone. The dissolvable suture is placed, and the patient returns in two weeks for a post-op check. It may take a few months for the implant to fuse to the bone — a process called osseointegration. In the meantime, a temporary tooth replacement can be used to fill the gap. This procedure is usually done with a local anesthetic. In our new office nitrous oxide can be used in conjunction with the local.
Step 2: Crown or Bridge Placement
After a period of about three months, the implant should have undergone osseointegration, which will mean it is ready for crown or bridge placement. An implant abutment is attached to the implant in the next step. The abutment is really a post in which the bottom half screws into the implant and the top half rises out of the gum. It is this abutment that holds the crown. The dental crown or bridge is either screwed or cemented onto this abutment. Our lab custom fabricates each implant crown, bridge, or denture to ensure that the prosthesis blends seamlessly into the patient’s natural teeth.
Different Types of Implant Restorations
Implants can hold a variety of different types of restorations.
- Porcelain crown replacing one missing tooth. Fixed in the mouth.
- Porcelain bridge replacing two or more missing teeth requiring at least two implants, fixed in the mouth.
- Denture supported by implants (usually two-four implants) that replaces all the teeth in the arch (usually fourteen). The denture is removable, comes in and out of the mouth
- Four on the floor-four implants hold a prosthesis that is screwed into the mouth and does not come out. Usually replacing ten-fourteen teeth
The Cost of Implant Dental Crowns and Bridges at 172 NYC Dental
Implant restoration is not overall an inexpensive procedure. The longevity is measured in decades (if not the entire lifespan of the patient). So the initial cost spread out over many more years than traditional crown and bridgework become negligible. At 172 NYC Dental, we accept most PPO Dental Plans. Our treatment coordinators are trained to maximize the insurance payments for your work and minimize the cost to you. Additionally, we have zero interest payment plans to help our patients with out-of-pocket expenses. The final cost of your implant-supported crown or bridge will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Bone health
- Number of implants
- Quantity of crowns or bridges needed
- Insurance coverage
Despite the expense, most patients love the results of their implant restorations versus traditional bridges or dentures. Implant dental crowns and bridges tend to be more aesthetically appealing, comfortable (greater function in chewing), and longer-lasting.
Learn More About Implant Dental Crowns and Bridges at Our New York Practice
The health of your teeth and mouth is as important to us as it is to you. We want to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. If you are ready to learn more about implant-supported restorations such as crowns, bridges and dentures schedule your consultation with our highly trained implant dentistry specialist today. Our consultation fee is $200. This includes a Panorex Radiograph of your upper and lower jaws. If our patients go forward with treatment this fee is applied as a down payment.
To place and restore implants expertly; a well-coordinated team of dental specialists must be working in unison, along with the patient for optimal dental care. At 172 NYC Dental, meet our “all stars” and have a championship smile.