Tooth loss impacts far more than just your smile’s appearance. When a tooth is missing, it affects your ability to speak clearly, chew comfortably, and smile confidently. Beyond these immediate concerns, the gap left by a missing tooth can lead to shifting of adjacent teeth, bone loss in the jaw, and changes in facial structure over time. These cascading effects can significantly impact both your oral health and overall quality of life if left unaddressed.
At Heart of Hingham Dental Aesthetic, Dr. Shreen Sandhu Kupke provides comprehensive dental implant treatment from start to finish. From placing the implant surgically to crafting the custom restoration, we deliver complete care in one convenient location, restoring both function and aesthetics with remarkable natural-looking results.
Dental implants offer a revolutionary approach to tooth replacement that addresses both the visible portion of your missing tooth and its root. This comprehensive solution begins with the surgical placement of a titanium implant post into your jawbone. Dr. Sandhu performs this procedure in our office, eliminating the need for referrals to outside specialists. This post functions as an artificial tooth root, providing stable support for your replacement tooth and stimulating the jawbone to prevent deterioration.
After placement, the implant undergoes a process called osseointegration, during which it fuses with your natural bone. This integration typically takes several months and creates an exceptionally stable foundation for your restoration. Once the implant has fully integrated, an abutment (connector) is attached to the implant post, extending above the gumline to support your final restoration.
The implant crown represents the visible portion of your replacement tooth. This custom-designed restoration attaches to the abutment, completing the implant process and restoring full function and appearance to your smile. Unlike traditional bridges that require modification of adjacent healthy teeth, implant crowns stand independently, preserving your natural tooth structure. Because Dr. Sandhu handles both the surgical placement and the restorative components, you benefit from seamless coordination throughout your treatment.
Implant crowns generally fall into two main categories: cement-retained and screw-retained. Each offers specific advantages and may be recommended based on your particular situation and needs.
Cement-retained crowns attach to the abutment using dental cement, similar to conventional crowns placed on natural teeth. This type offers excellent aesthetics, particularly for front teeth, as no access hole for a screw is required. However, if the crown ever needs removal or replacement, the process can be more challenging than with screw-retained options.
Screw-retained crowns attach directly to the implant using a small screw that passes through the crown. These restorations typically feature a small access hole that we cover with tooth-colored filling material after placement. While this design makes future removal or maintenance simpler, the access hole can occasionally impact aesthetics, particularly in highly visible front teeth.
The choice between these options depends on various factors, including the implant’s location, your bite forces, aesthetic considerations, and long-term maintenance needs. Dr. Sandhu will discuss these options thoroughly, helping you understand the benefits of each approach for your specific situation.
Your implant journey begins with a thorough examination where Dr. Sandhu evaluates your oral health, reviews your complete medical history, and uses advanced digital imaging to assess your jawbone structure. This detailed planning phase allows us to determine the optimal position for your implant and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
During the surgical phase, Dr. Sandhu precisely places the titanium implant post into your jawbone. Following placement, the implant requires several months to heal and undergo osseointegration, the process where the implant fuses with your natural bone. During this healing period, you may wear a temporary crown to maintain aesthetics and function while your implant integrates.
Using the precise records from your impressions, our skilled dental laboratory creates your custom crown designed specifically for your mouth. When your permanent restoration is complete, we verify its fit, appearance, and bite relationship before final placement. This careful evaluation ensures your restoration functions properly while looking completely natural, completing your smile transformation.
Modern dental materials offer exceptional options for creating implant crowns that combine strength, durability, and natural aesthetics. The material selected for your restoration depends on the implant’s location, functional demands, and aesthetic requirements.
All-ceramic or porcelain crowns provide the most natural appearance and are ideal for front teeth where aesthetics are paramount. These metal-free restorations allow light transmission similar to natural teeth, creating lifelike translucency that blends beautifully with surrounding teeth.
For back teeth that endure greater chewing forces, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer a balance of strength and aesthetics. These restorations feature a metal substructure for durability with a porcelain overlay that provides a natural appearance. While highly functional, they may not offer the same level of translucency as all-ceramic options.
Zirconia crowns represent a newer alternative that combines exceptional strength with impressive aesthetics. This advanced ceramic material resists fracture even in areas of high function while maintaining a natural appearance. For many patients, zirconia offers an ideal combination of durability and aesthetics for implant restorations.
While dental implants cannot develop decay like natural teeth, proper maintenance remains essential for their long-term success. The tissue surrounding your implant can still develop inflammation similar to gum disease, potentially compromising the implant’s stability over time if not properly managed.
Daily home care should include thorough brushing around your implant crown using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Specialized tools like interdental brushes or water flossers help clean hard-to-reach areas around implants, preventing bacterial buildup that could lead to inflammation.
Regular professional cleanings allow us to monitor your implant’s health and provide specialized maintenance tailored to implant restorations. During these visits, we use instruments specifically designed for implants to avoid scratching their surfaces while effectively removing any buildup.
While implant crowns resist staining better than natural teeth, they can still accumulate surface stains over time, particularly with exposure to coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco. Professional cleanings help maintain their appearance, though significant discoloration may eventually require replacement of the crown to restore optimal aesthetics.
We welcome new patients and look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your dental care journey.
