What is the difference between a Dental Crown and a Dental Implant Crown? – Kanata Implants Almonte

Differences between a Dental Crown and a Dental Implant Crown?

Keywords: denture, missing teeth, best option for missing teeth, loose dentures, best replacement for missing tooth, dental implant, implant crown, implant bridge, implant denture, implant tooth

At some point you may have wondered what the distinction is between a regular dental crown and a dental implant crown. A traditional dental crown is supported by a natural tooth and its root structure. A regular crown is typically recommended when a significant portion of the visible tooth is no longer healthy, due to disease or decay. A crown is required in order to maintain the long-term strength and integrity of the underlying natural tooth. In order to have a successful tooth restoration, we firstly remove the damaged area, shape the remaining tooth structure, take a 3D digital scan of the area and send it to our dental lab for custom fabrication of the crown. Our detail-oriented technician will use the information we provide to customize the colour, shape, and size so that the new restoration appears natural and functions appropriately. To finalize the process, the dental crown is then tried-in or ‘fitted’ over the remaining portion of the tooth. When the fit and colour meet both our patient’s and doctor’s expectations, it is permanently bonded into place with a special dental adhesive material.

 

 

Ready to make an appointment for a Dental Crown or Dental Implant? Call Marchwood Dental Clinic at 613-591-7608 to schedule!

Is a crown on a Dental Implant the same?

Almonte Implant Crown Kanata

A dental implant is required when a natural tooth is missing, either congenitally due to genetic reasons but most commonly as a result of the tooth needing to be removed due to decay, fracture or abscess. The dental implantbecomes the support system for a new tooth, replacing the natural tooth and its root. Once the implant is in place and ready for restoration, a 3D imaging scan is taken of top of the implant. A special type of crown, called a dental implant crown, is fabricated to complete the restoration of the implant. The crown is typically torqued onto the implant platform to complete the process. Seeing as a dental implant is solely in the bone and does not protrude above the gum line, the dental technician uses the 3D scan provided to make an abutment, also called a connector. This portion of the dental restoration is typically made of titanium or a strong ceramic called Zirconia, and connects the submerged dental implant to the new crown.

Almost 100% of the time, our office fabricates the dental implant crown with the abutment connector fused to it, creating hybrid unit that is fixated onto the implant as one piece. This way the final restoration is effectively and harmoniously joined together so that there is no risk of the two components – the crown and the abutment – ever coming apart. Termed a screw-retained implant crown, this type of unit is screwed directly into the dental implant via a screw access channel at the top of the crown (the abutment being part of the whole unit.) This option is simpler, cleaner, stronger and allows the dentist to remove the crown whenever necessary for maintenance or replacement.

 

 

Are there different ways that dental implant crowns are held in place?

Kanata Dental Implant Crown Almonte

Certain rare circumstances dictate an alternate method for the crown to be joined with the implant. This is when the abutment is screwed onto the implant separately, followed by the bonding of the crown onto the abutment with dental adhesive.

Implant crowns used to be secured onto the implant by bonding them in place using permanent cement, before the advent of hybrid screw-retained options. The dental implant crown would be bonded to the connector abutment with the same material as we use for a traditional crown. This technique is now considered inferior and more cumbersome than the screw-retained method, with opportunity for leakage of cement under the gumline and a much greater potential for damage to the gum and infection of the underlying bone.

 

How do I care for my dental implant crown?

Almonte Dental Implant Crown Kanata

The borders and surfaces of dental implant crowns extend beneath the gum line, much more so than crowns placed on natural teeth. To keep the new implant restoration and the surrounding tissue healthy, we do ask patients to maintain a good oral care regime. This entails brushing, flossing and regular visits to see your dental hygienist. Also, an excellent tool to keep the area clean and free of bacteria is the use of an oral irrigator or Waterpik. All our patients are provided with personalized instructions as they proceed through their treatment. We are always available to provide guidance and answer all questions to ensure our patients enjoy years of smiling with confidence and chewing in comfort.