What is an Implant Crown? Connecting the Missing Pieces

When patients lose a permanent tooth, they often hear us talk about getting a dental implant followed by an "implant crown." While many people know that an implant acts like a replacement root under the gums, they frequently ask what exactly goes on top. The implant crown is the custom-made porcelain tooth that attaches to that root, filling the visible gap in your smile.

An implant crown is built completely differently from a standard crown. A regular crown sits over a damaged, natural tooth that has been trimmed down. An implant crown, however, connects to a medical-grade titanium post hidden beneath your gums. To bridge the gap between the buried implant and your new crown, we use a tiny connecting piece called an "abutment." The crown is usually attached to this abutment piece, and gets screwed on to the implant

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Because it is anchored directly into the jawbone, an implant crown functions like a natural tooth. It doesn't slip or shift when you speak, and it restores your natural chewing power. Even better, because the materials are completely artificial, the implant crown itself is immune to cavities!

However, caring for your new crown is still vital. While the crown cannot decay, the gum tissue and bone holding the implant in place can still become inflamed if plaque builds up. Precise daily brushing and flossing around the base of the crown ensure that your gums remain firm, healthy, and supportive for decades.

At Petras Family Dental in Amherstburg, we work with a periodontist or oral surgeon to have your implant placed, and once the implant heals into the bone, we replace the missing teeth with implant crowns. We walk you through every step of the restoration process to ensure a comfortable result. Contact us at 519-713-8985 or visit petrasfamilydental.com/book to book your appointment.