An implant crown is a prosthetic tooth set on top of a dental implant post. At Hartman Dentistry, the implant crown is custom-crafted to look and feel like a natural tooth, restoring functionality to the smile after tooth loss.
Implant crowns can be made from various materials, including metal alloys and porcelain. Porcelain is popular among patients because it offers the most realistic look and natural feel.
Replacing a Missing Tooth With an Implant Crown
A dental implant is a restoration that replaces an entire tooth, including the root beneath the gum line. The dental implant post is implanted into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth.
After an implant is placed, it usually takes three to six months for the bone surrounding the implant to fuse with the implant itself in a process called osseointegration.
Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed and the implant is secure in the jaw, an abutment is attached to the top portion of the implant. The abutment connects to a dental crown, which is placed over the abutment to close the gap in your smile and restore your ability to chew and speak normally.
Are Implant Crowns the Right Choice for Me?
Implant crowns are a viable option for many patients with missing teeth. For the right candidate, an implant crown can be an excellent permanent solution. However, only some patients are good candidates for this procedure. Patients with good overall oral health and healthy jawbone and gums are ideal candidates for dental implants.
Gum disease can cause bone loss, so treating it before proceeding with the treatment is essential. If the gums are healthy enough to support the implant, we’ll need to determine that the bone is also strong enough to support it.
Sometimes, the jawbone may become weak after tooth loss and need to be rebuilt before a dental implant can be placed. If a patient has jawbone loss, we can restore it with bone grafting surgery. This surgery adds bone tissue to the jaw and creates a strong foundation for an implant to be placed.
Once these conditions are met, we will place the implant in the jaw. An abutment will be attached to the top of this artificial tooth root. This is where the implant crown sits, over the abutment. Implant restorations look very natural and function just like natural teeth. Patients are able to eat the foods they love and speak as they normally would.
Implant crowns feel as natural and comfortable as a normal tooth. For the best dental care tailored to your unique needs, visit Hartman Dentistry at 3091 East 98th Street, Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46280, or call (317) 581-0215.
