How Long Should Implants Heal Before Getting a Crown?

crown Chicago, IL

The modern dental crown is one of the most popular and widely used dental devices today, followed closely by its companion the dental implant. Often used to enhance the appearance and structure of a weakened natural tooth, crowns are also a crucial part of what makes a functioning dental implant.

The current version of dental implants has been in use over the last 30 years with great success. Over three million people in the United States alone have dental implants, and that number is growing by 500,000 each year.

If you are considering a dental implant, understanding what to expect out of the procedure and healing time is crucial to your decision process. No method of tooth replacement yields instant results, but the implant comes very close to it. However, there is a waiting period between the initial appointment where the implant is placed in the jaw to the placement of the permanent crown.

The process of placing a dental implant

Surgery

The crown is only one part of what makes an implant whole. First, the titanium post must be surgically inserted into the jawbone. In this first appointment, the dentist will examine the patient to check to see if there is enough bone density in the jaw. Generally, if you are in good overall health and have no other oral health issues besides the missing tooth, you are a good candidate for dental implants. Once it has been determined that the mouth and jaw are in good condition, the dentist will prepare the area for surgery.

Temporary crown placement

The first implant appointment can take up to two hours, so plan accordingly. Once the implant is placed in the space, the dentist will then take an impression of the mouth to make the custom crown. A temporary crown will be placed while you wait for the custom crown.

Healing time

Titanium is a unique material and is used for dental implants due to its ability to fuse with living bone. After the initial appointment, the bone will need to heal around the implant so as to be structurally sound in order to support a crown. This process usually takes anywhere from four to six months for healthy patients. This period of time can go longer or shorter depending on each case. If there are bone issues or gum infection between that period, healing can take up to a year before the permanent crown is cemented onto the implant.

After surgery, your mouth may be slightly tender. This feeling should go away in less than a week, and then you will hardly notice the implant is there. When the bone has finally fused with the titanium post, the dentist will cement the custom permanent crown onto the abutment. They will then test the fit and appearance of the crown, making sure you are satisfied with your new tooth.

The bottom line

A dental crown can last a lifetime if well maintained. Be sure to treat your implant crown as you would a natural tooth.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

When Dental Bonding Is Used By Your General Dentist

Dental bonding is a reversible dental procedure that involves using a composite resin material to rebuild and restore teeth. The composites used can be matched with the color of the patient’s teeth, allowing restorations made with them to blend in.Dental bonding has cosmetic and restorative uses in dentistry. Unlike other popular restorations dentists use, its…

5 Ways A Cosmetic Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

Wondering what a cosmetic dentist can do for your smile? Read on to learn more. A great smile can be a big self-esteem booster and a way to leave good first impressions. However, not all people have an aesthetically pleasing smile. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can help you improve the appearance of your teeth, gums,…

When Should Children See A Dentist For Kids?

Seeing a dentist for kids is an incredibly important childhood activity. Kids' dental care can prevent and stop many oral issues before they become serious or irreversible. Dental treatment for children also helps kids develop good oral hygiene practices which can keep their teeth healthy and strong throughout the remainder of their lives. If, as…

3 Reasons Adjusting To New Dentures Can Be Quite Simple

When you begin wearing dentures, you may experience discomfort for a short period while you are adjusting. However, this process does not have to be complicated. There are many ways to make the adjustment more manageable and more enjoyable.Here are three reasons you can easily get through the first few weeks of wearing dentures.If you…

Recent Posts

When Dental Bonding Is Used By Your General Dentist

When Dental Bonding Is Used By Your General Dentist

Dental bonding is a reversible dental procedure that involves using a composite resin material to rebuild and restore teeth. The composites used can be matched with the color of the patient’s teeth, allowing restorations made with them to blend in.Dental bonding has cosmetic and restorative uses in dentistry. Unlike other popular restorations dentists use, its…

Ways A Cosmetic Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

5 Ways A Cosmetic Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

Wondering what a cosmetic dentist can do for your smile? Read on to learn more. A great smile can be a big self-esteem booster and a way to leave good first impressions. However, not all people have an aesthetically pleasing smile. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can help you improve the appearance of your teeth, gums,…