How We Create Natural-Looking Dental Implant Restorations
Restorative dentistry treatments for missing teeth need to take aesthetics into account just as much as function. Dr. Edward Narcisi has a deep understanding of this, which is why so many patients in and around the greater Pittsburgh area come to his practice for their dental care needs.
The notion of natural-looking restorations is particularly important when it comes to implant dentistry. Dental implants provide a secure hold of restorations to fill tooth gaps, making them an ideal treatment for people who are missing teeth. But not just any restoration will do. Ideally they should look as close to natural as possible.
Why Natural-Looking Implant Restorations Are Important
When a person is missing teeth, they want to fill the tooth gap so they can smile with confidence. But not just any kind of restoration will do. Implant restorations that are unnatural, crooked, or look artificial can be just as much a source of self-consciousness as tooth gaps themselves.
That's why we always take great care when determining the ideal sort of dental restorations to create and ensuring they look as close to a patient's own teeth as possible.
Types of Dental Implant Restorations That Can Be Crafted
There are four kinds of dental restorations that are commonly crafted for dental implants:
- Dental Crowns - These are ideal for single-tooth replacement
- Dental Bridges - These are ideal for people who are missing a few teeth in a row
- Partial Dentures - These are ideal for people who are missing many teeth in a row
- Full Dentures - These are ideal for people who are missing most of their teeth along the dental ridge
Noting X-rays and Dental History
To craft a natural-looking implant restoration, it's first important to consult a patient's dental records and dental x-rays. This will give a dentist an idea of the original shape and position of the missing teeth.
Considering Your Current Dental Health and Condition
Dentists will consider the previous teeth that were in the tooth gap while also keeping in mind the current dental health needs of the patient. Obviously the dental health concerns of a person change over time, so considering current needs in conjunction with past dental records helps develop a better approach to dental treatment in general.
Points of Contact: Adjacent Teeth and the Opposing Dental Arch
In addition to all of the above, a dentist is able to improve on the patient's bite and dental health by considering the the way the implant restoration will be in contact with adjacent teeth and the teeth of the opposite dental arch. The implant restoration can have enhanced points of contact and an improved bite, meaning a healthier and more beautiful bite overall.
Careful Customization for the Healthiest Smile Possible
As you might have imagined, what's most important is customizing the implant restoration to the needs of the patient and making sure it fits well, both from a functional standpoint and a cosmetic standpoint. This is something we always consider carefully.
Schedule a Consultation at the Center for Dental Excellence
For more information about your options for having a healthy and beautiful smile, be sure to contact our advanced cosmetic and restorative dental care center today. At the Center for Dental Excellence, we will work closely with you to ensure that you understand all of your options for advanced dental wellness.