Welcome to the definitive manual on implant crowns: everything you need to know to have a radiant smile. If you are looking for a long-lasting and aesthetically appealing solution to restore damaged or missing teeth, implant-supported crowns are the ideal option.
In this article, we will explore in depth the benefits of crowns on dental implants (implant-supported), covering the entire process, from the considerations you should take into account before making a decision to the placement of your crown.
With implant-supported dental crowns, you can enjoy a natural and functional smile for the long term. Additionally, you will learn how dental crowns are placed on implants and how to properly care for this dental solution to ensure its durability.
Don’t waste any more time and discover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about implant crowns.
Table of Content
What are Implant Crowns?
Implant-supported dental crowns are a type of custom dental prosthesis that attach securely to dental implants. A dental implant is a titanium screw that is inserted into the jaw bone and acts as an artificial root to support the dental crown.
Natural and aesthetic appearance: Crowns are designed to mimic the shape, color and translucency of natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful, natural smile.
Improves chewing function: Securely attached to the implants, they do not slide or move when eating or talking, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry.
Reliability: Implants are an option with a very high success rate, so it is important that you talk to your trusted dentist to evaluate all your options. Sometimes it is better to invest once in a crown on implants than to carry out treatments on a tooth that has a very discouraging prognosis.
Durability: An implant crown is designed to last many years. This and much more is achieved with proper care and control following the instructions of your dentist.
How do they work?
Implant-supported or implant crowns work by securing the connection between the crown and the dental implant.
The dental crown is placed over the implant and secured in place using a screw connection also known as abuttments.
Abutments ensure that the crown is firmly screwed to the implant, providing a solid and stable base for the denture. This allows the crown to function like a natural tooth, allowing you to chew, speak and smile with confidence.
Implant-supported crowns being installed. Photo: Asiri Dental Care Center in Quito
Placement Process
The process of placing implant crowns generally requires several stages and lasts several months. It is important to note that each case is unique, and the time and specific steps may vary depending on the patient’s needs.
In general terms the steps are as follows:
Evaluation and planning: During this stage, the dentist will perform a complete examination of your mouth, including x-rays and 3D CT scans, to evaluate the health of your teeth and bones. This will help determine if you are a suitable candidate for implant-supported dental crowns. The size and location of the implant is also determined at this stage.
Placement of dental implants: this step is carried out only if your case applies and it is a procedure that is performed under local anesthesia or conscious sedation and may involve the insertion of one or more implants into the jawbone or maxilla as well as tissue grafting (bone or membranes). Currently, implants can be placed using a technique called guided surgery that uses a type of personalized framework (surgical guide) that allows very precise installation of the implant, thus improving the chances of treatment success.
Healing period: here the bone is allowed to fuse with the implants through the osseointegration process. This process is essential to guarantee the stability and durability of dental crowns on implants and usually lasts about 4 to 6 months. During this time, you may use a temporary Adhesive or Maryland bridge or denture to maintain the function and aesthetics of your mouth.
Uncovering Implants: once the bone and implant have fused correctly, the part of the gum where the implant is buried is opened, place scars and generate the well-known emergency profile, which is nothing more than giving the shape to the gum. so that it fits the visible part of the implant and adapts to the shape of the lower part of the crown. This step is super important since there must be a correct seal between the implant and the crown through the gum to prevent the entry of bacteria that could cause peri-implantitis.
Molds of your mouth: a 3D model is created (digital or plaster) where the personalized dental crowns will be made. These crowns will be manufactured in a dental laboratory using high-quality, durable materials.
Installation: Finally, the dental crowns will be securely attached to the implants using a screw connection. The dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and natural appearance.
Control Appointments: if you want your implant crown to last for many years, you must visit your dentist periodically, as instructed, to carry out checkups and verifications. Only in this way can any problems that may arise be corrected early.
Crown screwing on implant Photo: Asiri Dental Care Center
Materials used in their manufacturing
Implant-supported dental crowns can be made from different materials, each with their own advantages and considerations. The most common materials used for crowns include:
Porcelain: Porcelain or ceramic is an aesthetic and durable material that imitates the appearance of natural teeth. It is stain resistant and offers excellent translucency, allowing light to pass through the crown similar to a natural tooth.
Zirconium: Zirconium or zirconia is a highly resistant and durable material. It is known for its ability to withstand significant chewing forces and its excellent biocompatibility. Zirconium also offers a natural and aesthetic appearance.
Plaster Model with Zirconium Crowns on implant Photo: Asiri Dental Center
How Long do Implant Crowns Last?
Implant-supported dental crowns are known for their durability and longevity. With proper care, these crowns can last a lifetime. However, it is important to note that the lifespan of crowns can be affected by factors such as oral hygiene, bruxism, and the patient’s overall health.
Papers have shown that for periods of more than 10 years since implant placement, there is a success rate of 90% to 95% of cases. 1
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to maintain not only your crowns and implants but your entire oral health, for example, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and regularly visiting the dentist.
Maintenance and Care of Implant Crowns
Proper care of implant-supported dental crowns is essential to ensure their long-term durability and functionality. Here are some tips to keep your wreaths in top condition:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste.
Use special dental floss for crowns daily to clean between the teeth and around the crowns.
Avoid harmful habits such as smoking
Avoid excessive consumption of hard or sticky foods that can damage the crowns.
Risks and complications associated with implant crowns
Although implant-supported dental crowns are generally safe with a very high success rate, there are some potential risks and complications associated with this procedure. These may include:
Risks associated with implant placement surgery: like all surgery, there are implicit risks such as reactions to anesthesia and bleeding.
Infection: There is a risk of infection in the area of implants and crowns. It is important to follow postoperative care instructions and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infections.
Risk of implant failure: for various reasons (infections, rejection, etc.), implant placement can fail even for undetermined causes.
Crown fracture: Despite being made with very resistant materials, dental crowns on implants can fracture or break due to excessive chewing forces or trauma. Avoiding biting on hard objects and using mouthguards in high-risk situations can help prevent these complications.
Conclusions:
Are implant-supported dental crowns the best option for you?
Implant-supported dental crowns are an excellent option for those who want a perfect, functional smile. They offer numerous benefits, including aesthetic appearance, improved chewing function, and long-term durability.
There are cases in which in the long run it may be more economical to place crowns on implants than to do many previous treatments with a low probability of success.
However, it is important to consult a specialized dentist to determine if you are a suitable candidate for implant-supported dental crowns. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and provide you with the guidance you need to make an informed decision.
In summary, implant-supported dental crowns are an innovative and reliable solution for restoring damaged or missing teeth. With proper care, these crowns can provide you with a radiant, functional smile for many years. Don’t wait any longer and find out if implant-supported dental crowns are the best option for you!
References
Howe MS, Keys W, Richards D. Long-term (10-year) dental implant survival: A systematic review and sensitivity meta-analysis. J Dent. 2019 May;84:9-21. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2019.03.008 .. Epub 2019 Mar 20. PMID: 30904559. ↩︎
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