What is a dental implant restoration?
A dental implant restoration is used to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental implant itself is placed into the jawbone, where it functions like the root of a natural tooth.
There are three main parts to a single dental implant restoration:
- The implant, which is placed in the jawbone and replaces the tooth root.
- The abutment, which connects the implant to the restoration.
- The dental crown, which is the visible replacement tooth placed on top of the abutment.
Together, these three components create a strong, natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth.
Dental implants can also be used to replace multiple missing teeth. For example, if you're missing three teeth, it may not be necessary to place three separate implants. In many cases, two implants can support a dental bridge that replaces three or even four missing teeth.
Dental implants can also replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Depending on your needs, this may involve:
- A snap-in implant-supported denture that attaches securely to two or more implants.
- A full-arch implant bridge supported by multiple implants, often referred to as full-arch or full-mouth dental implants.
What does dental implant restoration treatment involve?
Dental implant restoration begins with determining whether you're a good candidate for treatment.
Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health, have sufficient bone to support the implant, maintain good oral hygiene, and do not have medical or lifestyle factors that could significantly affect healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or smoking.
Once an implant has been placed and allowed to heal, the appropriate restoration is attached. Depending on your needs, this may be a dental crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture.
How can you remove stains from dental implant restorations?
The implant itself sits beneath the gums inside the bone, so it cannot become visibly stained.
What you see above the gums is the implant restoration, such as the crown or bridge, and this is the portion that may develop surface staining over time.
In many cases, these stains can be removed during a professional dental cleaning or polishing performed by your hygienist.
If staining is more significant, the restoration may occasionally need to be removed so it can be professionally polished in a dental laboratory before being reattached.
Can single dental implants have screw-retained crowns?
Yes. A single dental implant can often be restored with a screw-retained crown.
With this type of restoration, the crown is secured directly to the implant with a small screw. One advantage is that the crown can be removed more easily in the future if maintenance or repairs are ever needed.
For a screw-retained crown to be both functional and attractive, the implant must be carefully positioned so the screw access opening exits through the chewing surface of the tooth or another area that is not visible when you smile.
If the ideal screw position cannot be achieved, a cement-retained restoration may be recommended instead. In these cases, the abutment is attached to the implant with a screw, and the crown is then cemented onto the abutment to provide the best combination of function and aesthetics.
How long do dental implants last?
Research has followed dental implants successfully for 10, 15, and even 20 years, and many implants can last much longer with proper care.
The keys to long-term success include:
- Excellent daily brushing and flossing.
- Regular professional cleanings and follow-up visits.
- Maintaining good overall health.
- Avoiding smoking whenever possible.
If oral hygiene is not maintained, inflammation can develop around the implant. Early inflammation is known as peri-implant gingivitis, while more advanced bone loss around an implant is called peri-implantitis.
Medical conditions can also affect the longevity of dental implants. Smoking, uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes, and certain medications that affect bone health may increase the risk of implant complications or failure.
For patients who maintain good oral hygiene, attend regular dental visits, and remain in good overall health, dental implants can provide a durable, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth.
Can a dental implant be replaced if it fails?
In many cases, yes. Whether a dental implant can be replaced depends on why it failed in the first place.
If an implant fails, the first step is determining the cause. Before placing another implant, it's important to create a healthy foundation by treating any underlying issues and, if necessary, rebuilding the bone with bone grafting or other regenerative procedures.
Once the area has healed and there is enough healthy bone, a new implant can often be placed either in the same location or a nearby position.
There is no set limit to how many times an implant can be replaced. Our goal is always for the first implant to be successful and provide a long-lasting solution.
How common is dental implant failure?
Dental implant failure is relatively uncommon.
Studies generally report success rates well above 95%, with failure rates typically ranging between 2% and 5% over five to ten years. Many implants continue to function successfully for 10, 15, or even 20 years and beyond.
When risk factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, or uncontrolled medical conditions are minimized, dental implants have an excellent long-term success rate.
What is the most common cause of dental implant failure?
The most common cause of implant failure is gum disease around the implant, also known as peri-implant disease.
When bacteria accumulate around an implant, they can cause inflammation of the surrounding gums and gradual loss of the supporting bone. Because the implant depends on healthy bone for support, significant bone loss can eventually cause the implant to fail.
This process usually develops slowly over several years and is often preventable with excellent oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings.
Sometimes the implant itself is perfectly healthy, but the restoration attached to it develops a problem. For example, the crown may fracture because of excessive biting forces, teeth grinding, or, in rare cases, a manufacturing defect in the material.
Another potential complication involves the abutment or retaining screw that connects the crown to the implant. If the screw loosens, it should be tightened or replaced as soon as possible. Addressing the problem early can help prevent additional damage and preserve the implant.
Can a failing dental implant be saved?
In many situations, yes.
If implant failure is caused by infection or inflammation around the implant, treatment can often stop the disease process before the implant is lost.
The key is creating a healthy, bacteria-free environment around the implant by thoroughly cleaning the area and treating the surrounding tissues.
Even if some bone has already been lost, stopping the infection may allow the remaining healthy bone to continue supporting the implant for many years.
I've treated patients who had significant bone loss around multiple implants. After carefully cleaning the implants and restoring a healthy environment, we've been able to stop the progression of the disease and successfully maintain those implants during follow-up visits.
How can you help prevent dental implant failure?
The best way to protect your dental implants is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing excellent oral hygiene.
Several factors contribute to long-term implant success, including:
- Brushing and flossing thoroughly every day.
- Keeping medical conditions, such as diabetes, well controlled.
- Avoiding or quitting smoking whenever possible.
- Following your dentist's home care instructions.
- Attending regular professional cleanings and maintenance appointments.
Professional maintenance is just as important for dental implants as it is for natural teeth. Regular visits allow your dental team to detect and treat any early signs of inflammation before they become more serious.
With good home care, regular dental visits, and a healthy lifestyle, dental implants can provide many years of reliable function.
How long does dental implant restoration take?
If your dental implant has already healed, restoring it with a crown is typically completed over two appointments.
If you're starting treatment from the beginning, the first step is placing the dental implant. After surgery, the implant generally needs about two to three months to fuse with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration.
Once healing is complete, the restoration is usually completed in two visits:
- The first visit is used to take impressions or digital scans.
- The second visit is for delivering and securing the final crown.
From implant placement to the final restoration, treatment often takes about four months for a single missing tooth.
During the healing period, you don't have to go without a tooth. A temporary replacement, such as a removable appliance or an Essix-style retainer with a replacement tooth, can often be provided until your final restoration is ready.
How do I know when my dental implant is ready to be restored?
Your dentist will determine when your implant has healed enough to support the final restoration.
For many patients, this occurs about three months after implant placement, although healing times vary depending on the individual and the location of the implant.
Before moving forward, your dentist will verify that the implant has successfully integrated with the bone and is stable enough to support your new crown or other restoration safely.
At Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (585) 522-1922 or email rocprostho@gmail.com to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.