Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 4 minutes
A dental implant isn’t complete without a custom crown, the final touch that restores your smile and bite. Designed to look and function like a natural tooth, an implant crown allows you to eat, speak, and chew with confidence.
In this blog, you will learn about different types of implant crowns, how they are attached, their lifespan, and how to care for them.
Legacy Surgery offers expert dental implant placement at our Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA locations.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Your dental implant crown is the finishing touch that restores your smile, bite, and confidence. With the right care and an experienced oral surgeon, you can enjoy a durable, natural-looking tooth replacement that lasts for years.
What Is a Dental Implant Crown?
There are three parts to a dental implant: implant, abutment and dental crown.
The dental crown is the visible part of your dental implant. It attaches to the abutment that is attached to the dental implant. This crown mimics a natural tooth in appearance and function, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Crowns are available in different materials and designs, tailored to fit each patient’s specific needs.
Types of Dental Implant Crowns
There are two primary types of crowns used in dental implant procedures:
- Screw-retained implant crowns: These crowns are secured to the implant post with a small screw. They are easier to remove if repairs are needed and are commonly used in implant restorations.
- Cement-retained implant crowns: These crowns are fixed onto the implant with dental cement, creating a seamless, natural-looking restoration. While more aesthetic, cement-retained crowns may be harder to remove if necessary.
Materials Used for Implant Crowns
Implant crowns come in a variety of materials, including:
- Zirconia crowns: Highly durable and natural-looking, zirconia crowns resist wear and fracture.
- Ceramic materials: Provide excellent aesthetics, making them ideal for front teeth restorations.
Temporary Crowns: Their Role in the Implant Process
After the implant has been placed, a temporary crown may be placed. These crowns help maintain the shape of your gum tissues and provide basic function during the healing phase.
They are typically made of acrylic or other lightweight materials and are not as durable as permanent crowns.
Once your implant has fully integrated with the jaw bone (3-6 months) you will return to your surgeon for review. Once they confirm that the implant has healed, you will be referred back to your dentist for your permanent crown.
The article “Dental Implant Healing Stages: What to Expect From Start to Finish” outlines each phase, from initial consultation to final crown placement, providing a clear timeline and recovery tips.
Dental Crown Placement
Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and send it to a dental lab where the dental crown will be fabricated. You will return for a second appointment to have the crown placed onto the implant.
Placement is straightforward and generally follows these steps:
- Abutment placement: A connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant post.
- Crown placement: The custom crown is then secured onto the abutment using either a screw or dental cement.
- Bite check: The alignment of the crown is evaluated to ensure a comfortable fit, with adjustments made as needed to prevent uneven pressure or bite issues.
Caring for Your Dental Implant Crown
Dental implant crowns are made from durable materials that don’t decay like natural teeth. However, the surrounding gum tissue and bone are still vulnerable to infection and disease.
Proper care is essential to maintaining the health of your implant and ensuring its long-term success.
Tips for Maintaining Your Implant Crown:
- Brush and floss daily: While the crown itself won’t develop cavities, plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, which may compromise the implant’s stability.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This helps clean around the implant without causing damage to the gum tissue.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods: Chewing on hard foods like ice or sticky candies can loosen or damage the crown over time.
- Schedule regular dental checkups: Routine visits allow your dentist to monitor the implant and ensure the surrounding gums and bone remain healthy.
- Wear a nightguard if needed: If you grind your teeth, a nightguard can help prevent excessive pressure on the implant crown.
By following these care guidelines, you can help protect your implant and maintain a healthy, long-lasting restoration.
Supporting Your Dental Implant Journey
A well-placed dental implant provides the foundation for a strong, natural-looking restoration. While the implant post and healing process are handled by an oral surgeon, your general dentist will design and place the final crown to complete your smile.
At Legacy Surgery, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS, ensures precise implant placement for long-term stability. If you’re considering dental implants, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
To book a dental implant consultation at our Harrisonburg location, call (50) 437-1230 or visit us at 2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.
To book a dental implant consultation at our Staunton location, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
FAQs About Dental Implant Crowns
How long do dental implant crowns last?
With proper care, a dental implant crown can last many years. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding sticky or hard foods can help extend its lifespan.
What can affect the longevity of an implant crown?
Factors that impact how long an implant crown lasts include oral hygiene habits, diet, and gum health. Brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups help prevent damage and gum disease, which can affect the surrounding bone and tissues.
How do implant crowns differ from traditional dental crowns?
Traditional crowns are placed over natural teeth, while implant crowns attach to a titanium post anchored in the jawbone. This makes implant crowns a more stable and durable solution for replacing missing teeth.