Can I Have a Dental Implant Crown Replaced?

Dental implants are one common and effective method of tooth replacement, but some may be wondering if a lost dental implant crown can be replaced. When a person opts for dental implants, dental crowns are placed atop the implants in order to make the entire replacement fully functional. Over the years, dental implant crowns may need replacing, whether it be due to damage or staining. 

Fortunately, dental implant crowns can be replaced. However, it is not as simple as replacing a traditional dental crown that sits atop a natural tooth. For patients curious about dental implants and the associated crowns, read on to find out more about the replacement process.

Replacing dental implant crowns

Dental implant crowns would ideally last forever, but that is not always possible. When the crowns are attached to the dental implant during the initial procedure, most dentists advocate for intense oral hygiene to ensure that the crowns do last forever. However, that does not always happen, and crowns that are not appropriately cared for may wear out sooner than expected.

A replacement may be desired or necessary for a few reasons, including severe damage such as cracking or chipping, or severe staining. There are also times where the opposing teeth within the mouth damage the dental crown due to bruxism or biting down on something inedible. Whatever the reason may be, a trained dentist or dental surgeon can often easily replace a dental implant crown.

How does replacement work?

The process for replacing a dental implant crown is very similar to the initial placement of the dental implant crown. The dentist will take a close look at the abutment, which may or may not need to also be replaced. If both need to be replaced, then a custom fit may be suggested for the abutment. Having a custom abutment made may help the entire implant restoration last longer.

Impressions will be taken during the initial dentist appointment. These are sent to a dental lab for the permanent crowns to be created. The dentist will likely place a temporary dental crown atop the abutment and implant if the initial one was severely damaged and nonfunctional.

After a couple of weeks, the new permanent dental implant crown will be ready and the dentist can go in and remove the temporary one. If the abutment is also to be replaced, then the dentist will replace both with the permanent, custom-made ones.

Deciding on getting a replacement dental implant crown

Dental implant crowns are placed atop a dental implant and serve as the physical "tooth." The crown portion allows for full functionality as well as a more natural-looking replacement tooth. However, if one or more of your crowns is no longer looking or functioning the way it should, replacement may be a solution. If you feel in need of dental implant crown replacement, then talk with a dentist for advice on what would be the best way to solve the issue.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.

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