What Is a Dental Implant Crown?
A dental implant crown is a custom-made replacement tooth that attaches to a dental implant. The implant itself is placed in the jawbone and acts as an artificial tooth root, while the crown is the visible portion that restores the missing tooth above the gumline.
Once the dental implant has integrated with the surrounding bone and is ready to be restored, a custom crown can be created to match the shape, size, and colour of your surrounding teeth.
Dental implant crowns can help:
– Replace a single missing tooth
– Restore chewing and biting function
– Improve the appearance of your smile
– Provide a stable, fixed tooth replacement
– Avoid relying on neighbouring teeth for support
Because the implant and crown perform different roles, they work together to create a complete tooth replacement.
How Does a Dental Implant Crown Work?
A dental implant restoration typically consists of three components: the dental implant, an abutment, and the crown. The implant is positioned in the jawbone, the abutment connects to the implant, and the custom crown is secured on top to create the visible replacement tooth.
Before the final crown is placed, the dental implant generally needs time to integrate with the surrounding jawbone. Once the implant is stable and ready for restoration, impressions or digital scans are taken to create your custom crown.
Your crown is designed to complement your surrounding teeth in colour, shape, and size. Once it’s ready, we’ll check its fit, bite, and appearance before securely attaching it to the implant.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, an implant crown can provide a comfortable and natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth.
Dental Implant Crown Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implant crowns last?
Dental implant crowns are designed to be durable, but they do not necessarily last forever. Their lifespan depends on factors such as the crown material, your bite, oral hygiene, and habits such as grinding or clenching. The implant itself and the crown also have different lifespans, so a crown may eventually require replacement even when the underlying implant remains healthy.
What type of crown is best for dental implants?
The best crown material depends on where the implant is located, the forces placed on the tooth, and your aesthetic needs. Materials such as zirconia and porcelain may be used for implant crowns because they can provide a combination of durability and natural-looking aesthetics. We’ll recommend a material based on your individual restoration.
Is it better to get a crown or a dental implant?
A traditional dental crown and a dental implant serve different purposes. A crown is typically used to restore and protect an existing natural tooth, while a dental implant replaces a tooth that is already missing or cannot be preserved. Whenever possible, preserving a healthy natural tooth is generally preferred, but we’ll assess your individual situation and explain the appropriate treatment options.
Can a dental implant replace a crown?
A dental implant does not replace a crown; the implant and crown are different parts of a tooth replacement. The implant replaces the missing tooth root, while an implant crown is attached above it to replace the visible portion of the tooth. Together, they restore a missing tooth.
What is the difference between an implant crown and a regular crown?
An implant crown replaces the visible portion of a missing tooth and is attached to a dental implant. A regular dental crown covers an existing natural tooth that has been damaged, weakened, or restored. Although they can look similar above the gumline, they are supported in different ways.
Can you replace a dental implant crown without replacing the implant?
In some cases, yes. If the dental implant remains healthy and stable but the crown becomes worn, damaged, or needs replacement for another reason, it may be possible to replace only the crown. Your dentist will need to examine the implant, abutment, and surrounding tissues to determine the appropriate treatment.
How do you clean a dental implant crown?
An implant crown should be brushed regularly and cleaned carefully around the gumline and implant. Floss or other interdental cleaning aids may also be recommended to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings are important for monitoring the health of the implant and surrounding gums.
Why Choose Legacy Dental for Dental Implant Crowns?
A successful implant restoration requires more than simply replacing the visible tooth. Your implant crown needs to fit comfortably, function properly with your bite, and complement the surrounding teeth.
At Legacy Dental, we’ll carefully assess your implant and oral health before designing your restoration. Our South Edmonton dental team takes a personalized approach to implant crowns, with attention to fit, function, appearance, and your long-term oral health.
Whether you’re ready to restore a recently placed dental implant or need an existing implant crown assessed, we’ll explain your options and help determine the appropriate next step.
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