Reviving Smiles: A Complete Abutment and Crown Treatment Case Study
A beautiful and confident smile significantly impacts various aspects of our lives. Experiencing tooth loss is often a frustrating and emotionally challenging experience. Gaps from missing teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift and alter bite alignment, potentially resulting in a cascade of dental problems, including misalignment, gum issues, and further tooth loss. The jawbone relies on stimulation from the teeth to maintain its density and strength. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone may begin to resorb or deteriorate, leading to a weakened jaw structure and potential changes in facial appearance.
A patient of ours experienced tooth loss. Our goal at Alpha Plus Dental Center was to restore both the function and aesthetics of his smile. Replacing a single tooth with a dental implant at our center is a highly customized and precise process. The procedure involved several steps, from the initial evaluation to the final placement of the implant, full seatment of the abutment and crown, and follow-up X-rays.
During an initial consultation, we evaluate your oral health, discuss your medical history, and assess your suitability for dental implants. As in this case, a 3D cone beam CT scan is always performed to create a detailed 3D model of your jaw and surrounding structures. This scan enables precise planning of the implant procedure by the dentist. The 3D model also aids in creating custom surgical guides for accurate implant placement.
If extraction of the natural tooth is necessary, we will perform the extraction as part of the procedure. This step is not always required, as dental implants can sometimes be placed immediately after tooth extraction. The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, positioned according to the 3D treatment plan. The gum tissue is then sutured closed over the implant. Following implant placement, a healing period ensues, during which the implant integrates with the jawbone in an osseointegration process. This process usually spans several months.
Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment size is carefully chosen to ensure the future molar crown has adequate width and space. The dentist skillfully shapes the gingival contours for proper crown shape and emergence profile. A custom-made crown, designed to match the color, shape, and size of your teeth, will serve as the visible, functional part of the replacement tooth. Before placing the final crown, X-rays are taken to ensure that the implant and abutment are in the correct position and have properly integrated with the jawbone. These X-rays help us confirm the stability and success of the implant. Once the crown is ready, it is attached to the abutment, restoring the patient’s tooth and happiness!
A healthy smile is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a great asset to your overall well-being. At Alpha Plus Dental Center, your oral health is our top priority. We invite you to call us at (617) 274-8494 and schedule your consultation with our top dentists!
