Does your dental implant feel loose, or are you ready for the final tooth after surgery? While the surgical placement of the implant post is vital, the “restoration” of the actual crown or bridge you see and use is what defines your smile.
We specialize in the artistry of dental implant restoration in Lititz, PA.
Many patients assume the surgeon handles the entire process. In reality, a restorative dentist crafts the visible tooth to match your bite and natural aesthetics. We work with patients throughout Lancaster County who need to finish their implant journey or repair an existing restoration that has chipped or loosened over time.
What is Dental Implant Restoration?
Restoration is the final and most visible phase of the implant process. While the surgeon places the titanium post into the jawbone, we design the “teeth” that attach to it.
A complete implant consists of three main parts:
- The Post: The titanium screw is surgically placed in the bone (acting as the root).
- The Abutment: The connector piece that links the post to the tooth.
- The Crown: The custom-made porcelain or Zirconia tooth that you see.
Once your jaw heals from the initial surgery, you visit our office. We take precise digital impressions to design a tooth that fits perfectly within your smile line. This phase is critical because a poorly fitted crown can cause bite alignment issues or trap bacteria.
Our Team Approach: Surgeons and Restorative Dentists
We believe in a collaborative model. We partner with top oral surgeons in Lititz and the greater Lancaster area to manage your care. Our surgeon focuses on the bone and the titanium post, while we focus on the functional and cosmetic finish.
This team approach gives you the best of both worlds. You get a specialist for the surgery and an expert Lititz dentist for the complex design of the crown. We coordinate directly with your surgeon to verify the implant type and healing status so your transition to the final tooth is seamless.
Restoration Options for Every Smile
Every mouth is different. We customize your restoration based on how many teeth are missing and where they are located.
- Single Tooth Crowns: We use high-strength Zirconia or layered porcelain to replace individual teeth. This is the most common option and looks indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: If you are missing three or four teeth in a row, we can bridge them together using just two implants. This is more cost-effective than replacing every single tooth with an individual implant.
- Implant-Retained Dentures: For patients missing an entire arch of teeth, we design dentures that snap securely onto implants. This eliminates slipping and the need for messy adhesives.
Screw-Retained vs. Cement-Retained Crowns
We prioritize screw-retained crowns whenever possible. In this design, the crown is attached to the implant with a tiny, hidden screw rather than dental cement.
Cement can sometimes leak below the gum line and cause infection, a condition known as cement sepsis. Screw-retained designs are cleaner and safer for your gum tissue. Furthermore, if the porcelain ever chips or the crown needs maintenance, we can easily access the screw, remove the crown, fix it, and put it back. Cemented crowns often have to be cut off and destroyed to access the implant.
Implant Repairs: Fixing Loose or Chipped Crowns
If you feel your dental implant wiggling, do not panic. Patients often fear that the implant itself has failed. In most cases, the implant post in the bone is solid, but the small screw connecting the crown has loosened.
We provide implant repair in Lititz for these exact situations. We locate the access channel, tighten or replace the internal screw, and stabilize the tooth.
Emergency Protocol for Loose Implants:
- Stop chewing on that side immediately.
- Call our office to schedule an exam.
- Do not try to tighten it yourself.
We can also smooth out chipped porcelain or replace worn-out crowns. We work with major implant systems, including Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Zimmer. If you had your implant placed by another dentist or in a different state, we can typically identify the system and order the correct parts for repair.
Premium Materials for Long-Lasting Results
The material we select depends on where the tooth is located in your mouth.
- Zirconia: Known for its incredible strength, Zirconia is ideal for molars (back teeth) that endure heavy chewing forces. It is resistant to chipping and wear.
- E.max/Layered Porcelain: For front teeth where aesthetics are paramount, we often use E.max or layered porcelain. These materials mimic the translucency of natural enamel, reflecting light exactly like a real tooth.
- Custom Abutments: We often choose Gold-hue or Zirconia abutments for front teeth. Standard titanium abutments are gray and can sometimes show a dark line through the gum. Custom-shaded abutments prevent this, keeping your smile bright.
Custom Shading & Local Lab Partnerships
A generic white tooth stands out for the wrong reasons. To achieve a seamless look, we partner with specialized local laboratories, such as Toothsmiths here in Lancaster County.
For highly visible front teeth, we may arrange a custom shade-matching appointment. You meet directly with the master ceramist who paints the details of your crown. They match the unique color, transparency, and texture of your adjacent natural teeth. This level of detail makes the custom implant crown virtually invisible.
The Cost of Implant Restoration
Patients are often confused about the cost separation between surgery and restoration. While medical insurance rarely covers the surgical placement, dental insurance frequently covers a portion of the dental implant restoration (the crown itself).
We help you navigate your benefits to maximize coverage. For out-of-pocket costs, we offer financing options to make the investment manageable. Investing in a high-quality restoration now protects the implant post and prevents costly repairs in the future.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation in Lititz
You deserve a smile that feels stable and looks natural. If you are ready for your final crown or need to fix a loose implant, our team is here to handle the technical finishing touches.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment for restorative dentistry. Let’s complete your smile with precision and care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implant Crowns
1. Does the restoration process hurt?
No. The restoration phase is generally painless. Since the implant has already integrated with the bone, there are no nerves in the post itself. We typically do not even need to use anesthesia when taking impressions or placing the final crown.
2. How long does the crown last?
While the titanium implant post can last a lifetime, the crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years, similar to a crown on a natural tooth. Regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups help extend its lifespan.
3. Can you replace a crown from another dentist?
Yes. We frequently help patients who have moved to Lititz or need a second opinion. We will take an X-ray to identify the brand of your implant and design a new restoration that fits the existing post.
4. Why is my gum sore around the implant?
Soreness can indicate a loose restoration or trapped food. It is important to have this checked quickly to prevent peri-implantitis, a gum infection that can threaten the bone support.