Implant Crown
The final phase of the dental implant procedure includes the placement of the dental crown. Once the implant integrates or fuses to the bone, the dentist schedules a follow up appointment to expose the gum and access the top of the implant. A collar is then placed over the implant to ensure the gum tissue properly heals. Once the gum tissue has healed, the collar is removed and the abutment is placed. An impression of the abutment is then taken in order to create the dental crown or prosthesis. This article will review the dental crown placement procedure.
Placement of the Dental Crown
Once the abutment is screwed onto the implant and secured, the dentist then places a temporary crown on top of the abutment. Sometimes a collar is not required following the second surgery. In this case, the abutment and temporary crown are immediately placed.
The temporary crown typically remains in place for around four to six weeks. This time allows the gums to heal around the crown and gives it a natural appearance. While the temporary crown is adequate to use for a short time, it is not nearly as strong as the permanent crown. Temporary crowns are primarily used to protect the implant from the forces of chewing prior to placing the permanent crown. This also allows the jawbone time to adjust to the implant and get stronger.
During this healing phase, the permanent dental crown is created in a dental lab. The production process typically takes around two to three weeks, but is sometimes completed quicker. The lab technician uses the impression of the teeth to create a natural-looking artificial crown which aligns with the other natural teeth. As a result, multiple dental appointments are typically required in order to place the crown.
Prosthetic Crown Selection
There are a few options available when selecting a prosthetic crown. Patients can select between removable, fixed or hybrid prosthetic crowns. The dentist can aid in selecting the right option based on your individual needs.
Removable Crown
This type of crown is similar to a removable denture. The prosthetic can come in the form of a full or partial crown. The dental crown is enclosed at the base with a plastic which mimics the appearance of the gums. It is mounted to a metal platform and connected to the implant abutment. While the mechanism securely snaps together, it is removable as needed for repair and cleaning.
Fixed Crown
In cases where a fixed crown is used, the crown is permanently bonded or screwed onto an individual implant abutment. The tooth is permanent and cannot be removed. Fixed crowns are most commonly used on a dental implant. Because implants are extremely strong, multiple teeth are able to be supported using a single implant.
Crown Placement
Once the crown has been created by the dental lab, the dentist will ensure it was correctly created and meets the specifications. The dentist will closely check that the crown fits and appears correctly. It will also be matched to the existing natural teeth prior to cementing it into place.
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area while the crown is being placed. The dentist then uses a dental cement to bind the crown to the tooth. If needed, minor adjustments can be made to the shape of the crown. This is common if the patient’s teeth do not properly align or there is an issue with the patient’s bite.
Once the dental crown is cemented or screwed into place to the implant, the new tooth has a beautiful, natural appearance. The crown placement procedure is relatively simple and typically requires two visits to the dentist.