Implant Crowns

Implant crowns are false teeth attached to dental implants, which are secured in the jawbone. Unlike traditional crowns that encase structurally damaged teeth, implant crowns fully replace missing teeth. 

Implant crowns have the strength and durability of natural teeth thanks to the implant posts they are attached to, which are artificial roots that fuse with the jawbone via a process known as osseointegration. In this process, new bone cells grow around the screw-like post to secure keep the crown secure.

How Do Implant Crowns Work?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone by a dentist, where they then fuse with the jawbone. After the implant has connected to the bone, it can be restored with a dental crown. 

A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over the dental implant post, which mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. When choosing what type of restoration to place on an implant, our dentist will consider several factors, such as the bone density in your jaw and how many teeth need to be replaced. 

In some cases, if there is not enough bone volume to support a dental implant, bone grafting may be recommended to build up the bone so the implant can be successfully placed. 

If a patient is missing all of their natural teeth, it is possible to use a combination of implant crowns and prosthetics, such as fixed bridges or removable overdentures, to restore their smile.

Types of Implant Crowns

• Cement-Retained Implant Crowns

Cement-retained crowns are attached to an abutment. Dental cement is used to permanently attach the prosthetic to the abutment. These crowns are strong and durable.

• Screw-Retained Dental Crowns

A screw-retained implant crown is not cemented. It is attached to the implant post directly through the abutment. The crown is designed with a hole that allows a fixation screw attached to the abutment's external-facing end to connect the restoration to the implant.

Why Do Patients Opt for Dental Implants and Crowns to Replace Missing Teeth?

While other dental prosthetics like dentures can replace missing teeth, none are as effective as implants. Implants replace the structure and function of a missing natural tooth and also replace the tooth root. This helps to prevent jawbone loss which is frequently associated with tooth loss. 

Other advantages of implant crowns include the following:

• Prevent natural teeth from shifting toward the gap.
• Provide a permanent solution that is secured in place.
• Implants are securely embedded in the patient's jawbone, making them feel and function like natural teeth.
• Cleaning implants is similar to caring for natural teeth.

Get in touch with our team at For Gentle Dental Care at (310) 827-5094 or visit us at 211 Culver Blvd Ste. T, Playa Del Rey, CA, 90293, to learn more about implant crowns.