Table of Contents

1. What Are the Benefits of Implants and Crowns?
2. How Implants Are Placed
3. How Long Can You Have an Implant Without a Crown?
4. Attaching the Crown to the Implant
5. FAQs About Crowns

A dental implant crown procedure is a safe, effective way to replace missing teeth with artificial prosthetics. An implant can be used to attach a crown that replaces a single tooth. Implants can also be used with a bridge or dentures. For just one missing tooth, a crown is a solution that blends in with the rest of the teeth and should last for years.

What Are the Benefits of Implants and Crowns?

Your dentist can help you decide if an implant and crown are right for you. For most patients with a missing tooth, placing an artificial tooth has several benefits:

• It restores the natural appearance of your mouth and smile.
• A crown helps you function and chew naturally.
• Implants prevent bone loss and shrinking of the jaw.
• Implants and crowns maintain stability in the jaw and prevent other teeth from moving out of place.
• Overall, replacing a missing tooth improves quality of life.

How Implants Are Placed

The placement of an implant is a surgical procedure that secures the implant in the bone of the jaw. Patients may go under general anesthesia for the surgery, but other options include local anesthesia and sedation.

There may be several steps in the process, depending on each patient. First, any remaining damaged tooth must be removed. The dental surgeon may perform a bone graft if the jawbone is too weak or thin. A graft provides a more secure and solid foundation for an implant, but not everyone needs it.

When the jaw is ready, the implant is placed deep in the bone tissue. The depth allows the bone to heal around and grow into the implant, a process called osseointegration. Only when this healing process is complete can you get a permanent crown placed.

How Long Can You Have an Implant Without a Crown?

Crowns cannot be attached to the implant until the bone around it has fully healed. How long for implants to heal before a crown is attached varies by individual, but it often takes several months.

This doesn’t mean you have to live with the gap in your teeth. Many patients receive a temporary removable appliance until complete healing has occurred and the permanent crown is placed. You can remove the temporary appliance for cleaning and sleeping.

Attaching the Crown to the Implant

Permanent crowns are attached to the implant by screw or with cement. There are pros and cons of each option. Before surgery, your dentist will discuss which option is best for you. The benefits of an implant secured by a screw is that it can be easily removed if a repair is needed.

Depending on the location of the implant, it may not be reasonable to reach it with a screw-in crown. In these cases, the dentist may recommend a cement retained restoration.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last with Implants?

Tooth replacements have very high success rates. A crown attached to an implant can last 20 years or even longer with good care.

How Do I Take Care of My Crown and Implant?

The best way to ensure a long life span for your crown is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly to keep the implant and the area around it clean. Visit your dentist for recommended regular cleanings and checkups. They will check on the status of the implant and crown, to identify and manage any issues early. Avoid chewing on hard objects or foods, like ice, to limit damage to the crown.

If you have a damaged or missing tooth, contact Newtown Dentistry to request an appointment. Our dentists will evaluate you and discuss options.