Missing or damaged teeth are challenging to live with, and they can certainly cause embarrassment and low self-confidence, so if you could replace or repair your teeth, wouldn’t you want to do it? With so much dental technology and so many dental terms, though, it is understandable if you aren’t sure what some dental procedures will entail.
Luckily, our professional dental staff in Dedham, MA, is ready to help you reach your smile goals. Whether you are a candidate for dental implants, dental crowns, or both, our goal is to help you understand the differences and replace your missing teeth. As part of our dental family, we want you to be comfortable with all your decisions.
What Is a Dental Implant?
The dental implant procedure is used when you have one or more missing teeth and involves the placement of a titanium post into your jawline. While you are waiting for your mouth to heal, the dentist will place a temporary crown on top of the post. Once your jaw is given sufficient time to heal and it bonds with the post, your dentist will attach a connector, also known as an abutment, to the post and then bond a dental crown on top of that to complete the process. You will have a natural-looking, fully functioning tooth at the end of your implant procedure.
Benefits of Dental Implants in Dedham
Discover the life-changing advantages of dental implants:
- Permanent solution: With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Improved chewing ability: Enjoy your favorite foods again with restored chewing ability.
- Enhanced appearance: A beautiful and natural-looking replacement for your missing tooth.
- Increased confidence: Complete your smile with natural-looking dental implants.
What Is a Dental Crown?
If your tooth is damaged from decay, large cavities, acid erosion, or cracks, and the enamel is no longer protecting your tooth, you may be a candidate for a dental crown. For a crown, the dentist will shape your tooth and fill any cavities before making an impression of your tooth to send to the lab. Once your impression is finished, the dentist will attach a temporary crown until your permanent crown can be made. Later, you will return to the dentist to have your final crown placed and adjusted as necessary.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Enhance your smile and protect your teeth with the many benefits of dental crowns:
- Protects weakened teeth: Shields your tooth from further damage and decay.
- Improves tooth function: Enjoy your favorite foods again with restored biting and chewing function.
- Natural-looking smile: Enhances your smile with a natural-looking restoration.
What Is the Difference Between an Implant and a Crown?
The most significant difference between a dental implant and a dental crown is that a crown is essentially a cap that covers your natural tooth, whereas a dental implant replaces a missing tooth and has a crown placed on top of it after it has been placed into your jaw.
Do You Need More Information About Replacing Teeth in Dedham, MA?
If you want to visit with someone on our staff about your dental concerns or have any questions about implants or crowns, feel free to call us at (781) 326-6260 for more information. You can also arrange a consultation online.