How Long Do Patients Have To Wait For Implant Crown Placement
The dental implant process takes place over two stages. First, the dental implant is placed into the jaw of the patient. Then, once the healing stage has taken place, the dentist places the permanent crown onto the dental implant. The permanent crown allows dental implant patients to use their teeth normally, for chewing, speaking, and smiling.
If you are considering undergoing dental implant surgery, you might be wondering how long you will have to wait for your dental implant crown. Some patients worry that they may be left without a crown for months until their dental implant heals. But this isn't the case.
You Will Have a Temporary Crown Until Your Implant Heals
Once your dental implant is in place, you'll have to wait 4-6 months for that implant to integrate with your jawbone. Only after jawbone integration has taken place, can you chew food and bear weight on a dental implant. But that doesn't mean that you'll have a huge gap in your smile while you wait for your implant crown. You'll have a temporary crown until healing is complete.
After your dental implant surgery, your dentist will place a temporary crown over the surgical site. Temporary crowns serve two functions. The main function of a temporary crown is to protect the surgical site. The temporary crown will stop food debris from entering the surgical wound. This will help to prevent infections. And the temporary crown's second job is purely aesthetic.
Since your surgical site will take months to heal, you can't use a temporary crown for chewing food. This is why temporary crowns are slightly smaller than your other natural teeth. But you will feel less self-conscious when you smile with a temporary dental crown in place.
You Can Opt for CEREC Permanent Crowns After Surgery
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) crowns are permanent crowns. If you choose to have a CEREC crown placed after your surgery, your dentist can use a milling machine to create your crown in around 15 minutes. CEREC crowns look like your natural teeth, are more comfortable than temporary crowns, and they are much more durable. But they are expensive.
If you want to take the CEREC crown route, speak to your dentist first to see if you qualify for this procedure.
If you want to replace a tooth with dental implants, you won't have to go without a crown while you wait for the implant to heal. Speak to your dentist before your surgery to see which of the aforementioned treatment routes is best for you.
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