When individuals have missing teeth, or when they are unable to support dentures or other prostheses, dental implants restore and improve one’s smile. Yet, a dental implant restoration provides the finishing touch, as it is the final crown or bridge that is secured over top of the dental implant. What’s more, the restoration is what others see when a person smiles, speaks or laughs. Therefore, it’s important for it to look, feel and function like a natural tooth. As a leading dentist in East Cobb and Marietta, Georgia, Dr. Leia Porcaro has partnered with Glidewell Laboratories to offer patients top quality choices in dental implant restorations.
With versatility, dental implant restorations can include a single crown for one missing tooth. Yet, they may also include a custom bridge to cover several missing teeth, or even an implant-supported denture to restore a full arch of missing teeth. Because dental implants provide great support and stability, it doesn’t matter if there is one restoration or several—patients can rest assured that their prosthetic teeth will remain secure.
Even so, the time frame for completing the dental implant process, along with the permanent restoration varies from person to person. This depends greatly upon an individual’s need for bone graft surgery prior to receiving dental implants. Traditionally, two procedures are required, as explained by Colgate. During the first procedure, a small incision is made in the gum tissue, in the area where the implant will be placed. A hole is drilled into the bone, and the implant is positioned there. Once healing has taken place, a second procedure involves making a new incision to expose the dental implant. A temporary cap is screwed over top of the implant to help the surrounding tissues heal. The final abutment is then screwed into the implant after a few weeks, and this becomes the foundational support for the final crown restoration.
With continued advancements in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, there are one-stage procedures and those using mini implants that allow for the implants and temporary caps to be placed in the same visit. Thus, there’s a suitable implant procedure for every patient.
To speak with Dr. Leia Porcaro about dental implants and/or dental implant restorations, call Grateful Dental today!
