Implant Crowns
Implant crowns are dental restorations used to replace missing teeth with the support of dental implants. A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root.
Learn more about implant crowns and dental implant restorations in a comprehensive implant plan.
An implant crown is similar in appearance and function to a natural tooth crown. It consists of two main components:
● Implant abutment: This is a small connector piece that attaches to the top of the dental implant and protrudes through the gum line. The abutment provides support for the implant crown and serves as a connection between the implant and the crown.
● Crown: The crown is the visible part of the restoration that resembles a natural tooth. It is typically made of durable and lifelike materials such as porcelain or ceramic. The crown is custom-designed to match the size, shape, and color of the patient’s natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetic result.
Implant crowns offer several advantages for replacing missing teeth, including:
● Stability: Dental implants provide a secure and stable foundation for the implant crown, allowing for comfortable chewing and speaking.
● Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, implant crowns can last for many years, often even a lifetime.
● Aesthetic appeal: Implant crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, creating a natural-looking smile.
● Preservation of adjacent teeth: Unlike traditional dental bridges, implant crowns do not require the alteration or removal of adjacent teeth for support, helping to preserve their health and integrity.
Overall, implant crowns are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring function, aesthetics, and confidence to patients’ smiles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an implant crown?
An implant crown is the custom-made tooth that attaches to a dental implant. It’s the final step of implant treatment: the titanium post replaces the root, and the crown — designed by our in-house lab and matched to your neighboring teeth — replaces the visible tooth.
How long does an implant crown last?
The crown itself typically lasts 10 to 15 years before it may need replacement due to normal wear, while the implant post beneath can last a lifetime. Regular exams catch small issues before they become repairs.
Does getting an implant crown hurt?
No. Attaching the crown is completely non-surgical — the implant is uncovered and the crown is secured on top, usually without any numbing or discomfort.
Implant crown vs. traditional crown — what's the difference?
A traditional crown fits over a natural tooth; an implant crown attaches to a titanium implant that replaces the root. If the tooth can be saved, a traditional crown is usually preferred. When the tooth is missing or beyond saving, an implant crown restores it permanently without involving neighboring teeth.