A SINGLE MISSING TOOTH
Benefits of an all-ceramic crown on implant:
When a tooth needs to be extracted, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution looks and functions just like a natural tooth. The implant can be placed between the adjacent teeth. This treatment option offers an advantage over a traditional tooth supported fixed bridge in that the adjacent teeth do not have to be cut down or altered in any way. An implant supported crown offers an excellent esthetic result as well.
Treatment:
This surgical procedure is usually completed in one visit. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant placed.
COURSE OF TREATMENT
PLACING THE NEW TOOTH – STEP-BY-STEP
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your surgeon to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
 |
 |
1: Before the procedure
The surgeon completes an initial examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure. |
2: Placing the implant
The implant is placed. In certain cases, a temporary crown may be placed at the same time. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the bone before the next step is taken. |
 |
 |
3: Attaching the new crown
The final step is the placement of the permanent ceramic tooth. The new tooth is placed by your general dentist. |
4: End result
You should expect the new tooth to fit and function like a natural tooth. Do your usual dental hygiene routine to keep the tooth and gum around it clean and healthy. |
ALTERNATIVES TO AN ALL-CERAMIC CROWN ON IMPLANT
 |
Tooth-supported fixed bridge
A traditional bridge involves cutting down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to place. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorbtion in the edentulous area, and sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge. |
 |
Removable partial denture
This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is removable, 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: adjacent teeth aren't affected. It is easily and quickly fabricated and relatively inexpensive. |
 |
Resin-bonded bridge
This alternative has some clear advantages: it is quickly fabricated and placed, functions well, and since it is made of ceramic, it provides a high esthetic result. Moreover, natural healthy teeth are not affected. However, it is not a permanent solution. The resin-bonded bridge will eventually come loose – probably after just a couple of years – and will then need to be replaced. |