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Implant Restorations in Lakewood, CO
If you have a dental implant or are considering one, implant restorations in Lakewood, CO give it a custom crown that looks and works like a natural tooth.
A dental implant has two main parts: the implant post that sits in the jawbone in place of a tooth root, and the restoration on top that you see and chew with. Implant restorations are that visible part, most often a custom crown.
At Lakewood Smiles, implant restorations means designing and fitting the custom crown that completes your implant. The implant post itself is placed in a separate surgical step. If you are thinking about an implant, ask us how the surgical and restorative steps would work for you.
- Custom crowns for dental implants
- Shaped and shaded to match your teeth
- Bite checked so the crown fits evenly
- Ongoing checkups for the implant and gums
What an implant restoration is
An implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up. The implant post, usually made of titanium or a ceramic material, is placed in the jawbone and given time to fuse with the bone. A small connector called an abutment then attaches to the post, and the crown is fixed on top, either cemented to the abutment or secured with a small screw.
The crown is the part that restores your smile and your bite. It is made to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth, much like a regular crown. Implants can also be used to support bridges or dentures, which is a more involved plan worth discussing in detail.
Who implant restorations are for
An implant restoration is the final step for anyone whose implant post has healed and is ready for its crown. It is also worth learning about if you are missing a tooth, for example after an extraction, and are comparing your options.
Implants generally work best for adults with healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the post. Smoking and some health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can affect how well the area heals. Other ways to replace a missing tooth include a bridge or a removable partial denture, and each has its own trade-offs in cost, time, and care.
What to expect at your restoration visits
The restorative step begins once the implant has fused with the bone, which often takes a few months after the post is placed. An impression records the position of the implant and the teeth around it, and a shade is chosen so the crown blends in.
When the crown is ready, it is tried in to check the fit, the shape, the color, and how it meets the opposing teeth when you bite. Small adjustments are made until the bite feels even, and then the crown is attached. This step usually takes more than one visit.
Looking after your implant crown
An implant crown cannot get a cavity, but the gum and bone around the implant can become inflamed if plaque builds up, a problem known as peri-implantitis. Brush twice a day, and clean around the implant daily with floss, small interdental brushes, or a water flosser, paying attention to where the crown meets the gum.
Regular checkups let the dentist examine the gums around the implant and check that the crown is secure. If you grind or clench your teeth, a night guard can protect the crown and your natural teeth. Call if the crown feels loose or the gums around it become sore or swollen.
Insurance and payment for implant restorations
Coverage for implants varies widely. Some dental plans cover the crown but not the surgical placement, some cover part of both, and some exclude implants entirely or limit coverage for teeth that were missing before the plan started. It helps to ask your plan about the crown and the implant separately.
Lakewood Smiles accepts select plans from Delta Dental PPO, Cigna PPO, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, Humana, MetLife, Guardian and Medicaid. Not every plan from each carrier is accepted, so please call 303-988-6860 before your visit and we can check whether we are in network with your specific plan. Any estimate is based on information from your dental benefits company and is not a guarantee of payment. You can see the insurance list and billing notes on our contact page.
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Common questions about implant restorations
What is an implant restoration?
An implant restoration is the visible tooth that attaches to a dental implant, most often a custom crown. The implant post replaces the tooth root inside the jawbone, and once it has healed, the restoration is made to fit on top so you can chew and smile normally. It is shaped and shaded to blend in with your other teeth, so most people cannot tell which tooth is the implant.
How is an implant crown different from a regular crown?
A regular crown covers your own natural tooth, which is shaped to hold it. An implant crown attaches to an abutment on top of the implant post, because there is no natural tooth left. Implant crowns are either cemented to the abutment or secured with a small screw. They look similar from the outside, but the cleaning around them and how they are checked are a little different.
How long does an implant crown last?
With good daily care and regular checkups, an implant crown can last many years, and the implant post beneath it is meant to be long-term. Like any crown, the visible part can wear, chip, or loosen over time and may eventually need replacing. Keeping the gums around the implant healthy is the most important thing you can do to protect the implant itself.
How do I clean around a dental implant?
Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush, angling the bristles toward the gumline around the implant crown. Once a day, clean beside the implant with floss, an interdental brush, or a water flosser, whichever you find easiest to use well. Avoid metal picks that can scratch the implant parts. At checkups, the dentist can show you any spots around the implant that need extra attention.
Can an implant crown get a cavity?
No. The crown and the implant are not natural tooth structure, so they cannot decay. The gum and bone around the implant can still become inflamed if plaque is left behind, and that inflammation can threaten the implant over time. Your natural teeth beside the implant can also get cavities, so brushing, cleaning between teeth, and regular checkups remain just as important as before.
What should I do if my implant crown feels loose?
Call the office at 303-988-6860 and avoid chewing on that side until it has been checked. A loose implant crown is often caused by a screw or the cement working loose, which can usually be fixed. Do not try to tighten or glue it yourself. If the crown comes off, keep it somewhere safe and bring it with you to your appointment.