Custom Implant Crowns and Abutments
An implant crown is the visible tooth that attaches to a dental implant. Depending on the location of the implant, your bite, your gum tissue, and the implant system, we may recommend a screw-retained or cement-retained restoration.
When needed, we can also fabricate a custom implant abutment rather than using a stock component. For implants in the esthetic zone, particularly front teeth, tooth-colored zirconia or hybrid abutments may be considered to help create a natural appearance and minimize the possibility of a gray tone showing through the gum tissue.
Before restoring a recently placed implant, we generally need to allow adequate time for the implant to integrate with the surrounding bone. Healing often takes approximately three to four months, although the exact timing depends on the location of the implant, the type of procedure performed, and your surgeon’s recommendations.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges can be an excellent option when several teeth are missing in the same area.
Instead of replacing every missing tooth with an individual implant, strategically positioned implants can sometimes support a bridge that replaces several teeth. Each case is planned individually based on the number and position of the implants, your bite, the available space, and the condition of the surrounding gum tissue.
At Fresh Smile Dental Studio, we pay particular attention to the shape, shade, contours, and emergence profile of implant restorations so that the final result blends naturally with your smile.
How long does it take to make an implant crown?
Once your implant is ready to be restored and we have completed the necessary records or impressions, fabrication of an implant crown typically takes approximately 7–14 days. Timing may vary depending on the implant system and the complexity of the restoration.
Can you match one implant crown to my natural teeth?
Yes.
Replacing a single front tooth can be one of the most esthetically demanding procedures in dentistry because the new crown has to blend closely with the surrounding natural teeth.
We take detailed shade information, photographs, and other necessary records to help reproduce the color, shape, translucency, and other characteristics of your natural teeth as closely as possible.
Can an implant crown be replaced without replacing the abutment?
Sometimes.
If the existing abutment is healthy, properly positioned, compatible with the new restoration, and can be safely reused, it may be possible to replace only the crown.
In other situations, the crown and abutment may need to be replaced together. We evaluate this on a case-by-case basis after examining the implant and existing restoration.
Can an implant bridge look like natural teeth?
Yes.
Our goal is to make implant crowns and bridges look as natural as possible.
The final appearance depends not only on the porcelain or zirconia restoration, but also on the position of the implants and the amount and shape of the gum tissue around them.
Before treatment, we will discuss what can realistically be achieved in your particular situation.
What if I don’t know what type of implant I have?
That is common, especially when an implant was placed years ago or by another dentist.
We can often identify the implant system from your dental records, X-rays, the shape of the implant and components, or specialized implant-identification resources.
Once the implant system is identified, we can determine which restorative components are needed.
