A dental implant is not complete until the visible replacement tooth has been added. The implant post provides support below the gumline, while the restoration above it is what gives you back the appearance and function of a tooth. At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, our dentist, Dr. LeJon Carreon, provides dental implant restorations in Littleton, CO, for to complete treatment patients who are replacing one or more missing teeth. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation and discuss the restoration needed to complete your implant treatment.
What Is a Dental Implant Restoration?
A dental implant typically includes an implant post and a restoration. The implant post is placed in the jaw to serve as a replacement for the missing tooth root, while the restoration replaces the visible portion of the tooth above the gums.
The type of restoration used depends on how many teeth are being replaced and the design of your implant treatment. The goal is to create a replacement that supports comfortable chewing, speech and a natural-looking smile.
Types of Implant Restorations
Dental implants can support several types of restorations. Depending on your needs, Dr. Carreon may discuss options such as:
- Implant crowns for replacing a single missing tooth
- Implant-supported bridges for replacing multiple missing teeth
- Implant-supported dentures for replacing a larger number of teeth or a full arch
Your treatment plan will depend on the location and number of missing teeth, the implant placement and your overall oral health.
Restoring a Single Missing Tooth
When one tooth is missing, an implant can often support a single dental crown. The crown is designed to replace the visible portion of the missing tooth and blend with the surrounding teeth.
Implant-supported crowns differ from traditional dental crowns because they are supported by an implant rather than being placed over a natural tooth.
Replacing Several Missing Teeth
When several teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge may be used to restore the open space. This approach can replace multiple teeth without requiring every missing tooth to have its own individual implant. Dr. Carreon will evaluate the existing implant treatment and discuss the restoration that is designed to work with it.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Dental implants can also be used to support certain types of dentures. Implant support may provide added stability compared with a traditional removable appliance, depending on the treatment plan. Patients considering broader tooth replacement can also learn more about traditional dentures and how they compare with implant-supported options.
What Happens During the Restoration Process?
Before the final restoration is completed, Dr. Carreon will evaluate the implant area and review the treatment that has already been performed. Impressions or other records may then be taken so the crown, bridge or denture can be designed for your mouth.
When the restoration is ready, its fit, bite and appearance are checked before treatment is completed. Our dentist and team will also explain how to care for the implant restoration at home and what to monitor over time.
How Natural Do Implant Restorations Look?
Implant restorations are custom designed to complement your smile. For single-tooth restorations and other visible areas, factors such as tooth shape, size and shade can be considered so the restoration blends with nearby teeth.
While the implant itself remains below the gumline, the restoration is the part that becomes visible when you smile, speak and eat.
Caring for a Dental Implant Restoration
Implant restorations still require consistent daily care. Brushing, cleaning around the restoration and maintaining healthy gum tissue are important for the long-term condition of the implant and surrounding structures. Routine dental cleanings and exams also give our team an opportunity to monitor the restoration, your bite and the tissues around the implant.
Experienced Restorative Dental Care
Dr. Carreon has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and provides implant restoration as part of the restorative dentistry available at Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics. She takes time to understand each patient’s treatment history, concerns and goals before completing the restorative phase of care.
If you already have an implant or are planning implant treatment with another provider, our team can discuss the restorative portion and explain what may be needed to complete your smile.
Complete Your Implant Treatment
If you need a crown, bridge or denture to complete your implant treatment, contact Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and learn which dental implant restoration can replace your missing tooth or teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Restorations
What is a dental implant restoration?
A dental implant restoration is the visible replacement attached to or supported by a dental implant. Depending on the treatment, it may be a crown, bridge or denture.
Is the implant post the same thing as the restoration?
No. The implant post replaces the root portion of a missing tooth and sits below the gumline. The restoration is the crown, bridge or denture that replaces the visible tooth structure.
What type of restoration is used for one missing tooth?
A single dental implant is commonly restored with a crown. Dr. Carreon will evaluate the implant and surrounding teeth before planning the final restoration.
Can dental implants support a bridge?
Yes. In some treatment plans, dental implants can support a bridge that replaces several missing teeth. The number and position of implants help determine how the restoration is designed.
Can implants be used with dentures?
Yes. Certain dentures can be supported by dental implants to provide additional stability. Dr. Carreon can explain how implant-supported dentures differ from conventional removable dentures.
How do I care for an implant restoration?
Daily brushing and cleaning around the restoration and gumline are important. Regular dental exams also allow our team to check the restoration, bite and tissues surrounding the implant.
Can you restore an implant placed by another provider?
If your implant has already been placed, Dr. Carreon can evaluate the area and review the treatment information to determine what is needed for the restorative phase of your care.
Where can I get a dental implant restoration in Littleton, CO?
Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics provides dental implant restorations in Littleton for patients who need crowns, bridges or dentures to complete implant treatment. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation with our dentist.