What is implant restoration?

Implant restoration is a process that uses special tools and design equipment to repair damaged or broken dental implants. Specifically, it uses materials like composite bonding to address chips, cracks, and other problems that affect your crowns, bridge, or implant-retained dentures.
Dental implants are made of two parts ––  a small, screw-like post inserted into your jaw and a dental restoration (crown, bridge, or set of dentures). The implants replace your natural tooth roots, but the restorations are exposed to general wear-and-tear caused by daily activities like biting and chewing.
Dental implants illustration showing prosthetic teeth, implant posts, and crowns in gum tissue model.

What types of issues can benefit from implant restoration?

The team at Jeff Montgomery DDS uses implant restoration to treat various issues, including:
  • Chipped, cracked, or damaged crowns
  • Chipped, cracked, or damaged bridges
  • Chipped, cracked, or damaged dentures
  • Knocked-out restorations
  • Oral trauma (like a car accident or a blow to the mouth)
You might also benefit from implant restoration if you have dental implants and develop gum disease, like gingivitis or periodontitis.

What does implant restoration involve?

At Jeff Montgomery DDS, implant restoration begins with a review of your dental health history, a discussion of your symptoms, and a comprehensive oral exam. Afterward, your provider orders oral X-rays to determine the extent of the damage and assess the health of your jaw.
Next, your provider detaches the restoration from your dental implants. If there’s only mild damage, like a chip or a crack, your provider uses composite resin or another material to restore it on-site. 
If the damage is extensive, your provider takes impressions of your mouth. Then, they send your impressions to a dental lab that uses them to design and create a new custom prosthetic. When your crown, bridge, or new dentures are ready, you return to the office and try them on.

How can I keep my dental implants in optimal condition?

The easiest way to keep your dental implants in optimal condition is to practice good oral hygiene. The team at Jeff Montgomery DDS recommends:

  • Brushing your teeth twice daily
  • Avoiding bad habits like opening plastic packaging with your teeth
  • Wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports or during other physical activities
  • Visiting the dentist two times each year for professional teeth cleaning and an oral exam
By following these guidelines, your dental implants can last a lifetime. 
If you need dental implant restoration, make an appointment at Jeff Montgomery DDS by calling the office today.