Implant Crown

What Is an Implant Crown? (The Crown That Doesn't Need a Tooth)

An implant crown is the visible, tooth-colored part of a dental implant system. While a regular crown sits on top of a prepared natural tooth, an implant crown is designed to attach to a titanium post that has been surgically placed in your jawbone. It's like a crown that brings its own root to the party.

This is the closest thing to growing a new tooth that modern dentistry can offer. Because it's a standalone solution, no neighboring teeth need to be touched. It's a permanent restoration that looks, feels, and functions just like the tooth you lost—except this one can never get a cavity.

The Three-Part Marvel of a Dental Implant

A complete dental implant is a system made of three distinct parts working together.

1. The Implant (The New Root): This is a small, screw-like post made of biocompatible titanium. It is gently placed into the jawbone where it fuses with the bone over several months in a process called osseointegration. This creates an incredibly strong and stable foundation.

1. The Abutment (The Connector): This is the crucial middle piece that connects the implant in your jaw to the crown you will see. It acts as a solid anchor point for your new tooth.

1. The Crown (The New Tooth): This is the final piece of the puzzle. It's a custom-made ceramic crown—just like any other—that is attached to the abutment, restoring your smile and your ability to chew.

The Implant Crown Journey

Replacing a tooth with an implant crown is a process that requires patience, as it respects your body's natural healing timeline.

• Phase 1: Implant Placement. The first step is a minor surgical procedure to place the titanium implant into the jawbone. This is followed by a healing period of 3-6 months as the bone fuses to the implant.

• Phase 2: The Final Restoration. Once healing is complete, we take a digital impression and design your custom abutment and crown. About two weeks later, your new crown is permanently attached to the implant, and your smile is whole again. The entire process can take 4-8 months from start to finish.

Implant Crown vs. a Traditional Bridge

When you are missing a single tooth, you have two main options: a bridge or an implant crown.

• A Dental Bridge requires grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to act as anchors. It is a faster and often less expensive initial solution, but it involves two otherwise healthy teeth.

• An Implant Crown is a more conservative long-term choice because it stands on its own and does not involve or affect your other teeth at all. While the process takes longer and has a higher upfront cost, it is often considered the gold standard for replacing a single missing tooth.

Living with an implant crown is remarkably simple. You brush and floss it just like a natural tooth. It doesn't get cavities and, with proper care, the implant itself can last a lifetime.

Here's what we want you to remember:

An implant crown is the most advanced solution for replacing a single missing tooth. It is the only option that replaces both the root and the crown, preserving bone and leaving neighboring healthy teeth completely untouched.

Every patient's situation is unique.

Whether you are a good candidate for an implant depends on factors like your bone density, overall health, and the location of the missing tooth. For some, a traditional bridge may still be a better or more practical option. We will help you weigh the pros and cons of each.

Are you missing a tooth or facing an extraction?

Considering your tooth replacement options? We're here to give you honest, personalized answers. Schedule a consultation at our Woodland Hills practice – let's talk about what's really best for your smile.