Most often getting a dental implant takes the work of 2 dentists. First a periodontal specialist with advanced training in implants places the implant post into your jawbone.  Then a restorative dentist (usually a prosthodontist or general dentist) places a dental crown on the top of the implant post.

The highest success rates occur when the jawbone has time to lock onto the implant.  Therefore, a 3 month healing period for the lower jaw and a 6 month healing period for the upper jaw produces the most predictable results (97%). In some cases when the patients bone has enough height, width and density implants may be placed and the crown or bridge can be inserted in the same visit (see Teeth-In-An-Hour). Drs. Langer have achieved the highest level of experience and expertise having placed more than 30,000 implants in over 6,000 patients since 1983.

SINGLE TOOTH MISSING

Benefits of an all-ceramic crown on implant:
When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

• In some cases, Immediately functioning teeth
• Excellent esthetic result
• Life long, stable solution

Treatment:
This procedure normally includes four visits to the dentist. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant installed.

>> View Treatment Procedure

COURSE OF TREATMENT

INSTALLING THE NEW TOOTH – STEP-BY-STEP

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1: Before the procedure The dentist makes a first examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.	2: Installing the implant The implant is installed. At this time, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you eat and function like normal almost immediately.  The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken.

3: Attaching the new crown The final step is the placement of the permanent ceramic tooth. The new tooth is installed for life. No additional treatment is needed.	4: End result You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Do your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean.

A fractured front tooth is removed and replaced with a single implant. It is also possible to close the space between the front teeth with this procedure if this is desired.

Before

After

ALTERNATIVES TO AN ALL-CERAMIC CROWN ON IMPLANT

	Tooth-supported fixed bridge A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorbtion in the edentulous area, and sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge.
	Removable partial denture This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic – a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist: adjacent teeth aren't affected. It is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap.
	Resin-bonded bridge This alternative has some clear advantages: it is quickly installed, functions well and, since it is made of ceramic, it gives a high esthetic result. Moreover, natural healthy teeth aren't affected. But it is not very permanent. The resin-bonded bridge will eventually come off – probably after just a couple of years – and will then have to be reinstalled.