Implant Crowns
A dental implant is a titanium ‘screw’ that is surgically inserted into your jawbone. Once in place, the implant is tested for osseointegration (adequate fusion with the jawbone) which is vital for the success of an implant. It then provides a solid foundation to support an implant crown. Each implant crown is either attached to the implant by a retention screw or cemented onto a metal core (abutment).
An implant crown provides the visible finishing touch after a dental implant has been fitted and, once in position, looks and feels just like a natural tooth. With proper dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental implants and crowns can last a lifetime, making it an excellent long-term option for restoration of your smile.
Implant crowns are made from all-ceramic materials such as zirconia or ceramic-fused to metal alloys (ceramo-metal crowns). At Melbourne East Prosthodontics, we use high-quality noble metal alloys for our implant crown and bridge work. These implant crowns are fabricated at trusted local labs in Kew and surrounding suburbs of Melbourne. Technicians who fabricate our restorations are highly trained and skilled in the area of implantology and provide life-like and natural-looking crowns for our patients.
Implant crowns are more expensive compared to tooth-bound crowns due to the complexity of work involved, labour and material cost. If you would like to find out more about implant crowns, call us on (03) 9853 2845.
A comprehensive examination
During the initial examination, radiographs and a CBCT scan will be taken to determine the volume and depth of bone. In addition, a thorough periodontal examination will be carried out to assess the condition of your gums. Following this, a comprehensive treatment plan will be developed to start the treatment process.
Inserting dental implants
3D planning software is used to finalise the implant position/s. Dental implant surgery is a pain-free procedure involving a minor incision in the gums over the jaw bone. After administering anaesthetic or IV sedation, the implant is inserted precisely through the gum into the jaw bone, at the site of the missing tooth. The gum is then closed over the implant so that it remains covered. Healing caps are placed and the area is monitored.
Healing time
A period of healing is required to allow the jaw bone to fuse with the implant – a process known as osseointegration. This may take several months (3-6) depending upon the site of implant placement, medical condition and bone quality of the individual patient.
Fabricating the permanent crown
Following healing and osseointegration, impressions are taken and the jaw relationship/ bite is recorded for fabrication of the implant crown/s. These records are then sent to a trusted laboratory where skilled technicians fabricate your implant crown/s to perfection.
Insert and follow-up
The final stage of the process is to insert the implant crown. This may be inserted by using a retention screw or by cementing the crown onto the abutment. Following insertion, follow-up appointments will be organised at various intervals to ensure careful monitoring of the implant site and crown over the next few months.
