Implant-Supported Crowns: Superior Single Tooth Replacement

About Implant-Supported Crowns

An implant-supported crown is similar to a traditional dental crown, but it is attached to a dental implant rather than a natural tooth. Implant-supported crowns can be crafted from a variety of materials. At our practice, Dr. Nordhus typically places crowns made from zirconia or IPS e.max® for a lifelike result that is also incredibly durable and resilient.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Crowns

Implant-supported crowns offer several benefits when compared to traditional teeth replacement methods. A dental bridge is one of the common conventional methods of replacing a single missing tooth. While dental bridges are effective at filling in the gap in your smile, they are also more invasive than an implant-supported crown. In order to place the bridge, the natural teeth on either side of the space will need to be modified and reduced in order to accommodate your restoration. Alternatively, a dental implant and an implant-supported crown can replace the missing tooth with no need to alter the adjacent teeth. Therefore, all of your healthy tooth structure will be left intact.

Who is a Candidate?

Patients with healthy teeth and gums who are missing a single tooth are typically excellent candidates for implant-supported crowns. It is important that those considering implant treatment have healthy, sufficient jawbone tissue, which will serve as a strong foundation for the titanium posts.

Most of our patients find that a beautiful, healthy, and functional smile is well worth the wait, as implants can last a lifetime with proper care.

Smokers are usually not candidates for dental implant treatment. The use of tobacco products severely hinders the healing process and can ultimately lead to implant failure. Therefore, if you are considering dental implants, we recommend that you quit smoking before your implant placement.

About the Procedure

Receiving an implant-supported crown is a simple process. However, the entire treatment timeline, from your initial consultation to the placement of your final crown, can take several months to complete. When you undergo treatment at Nordhus Dental, here are the steps you can expect:

• Initial Consultation: During your first visit with Dr. Nordhus, he will review x-rays and scans of your jawbone to determine the most optimal location for your implant. He will then create a personalized treatment plan.
• Implant Placement: The dental implant will be placed into the jaw during an oral surgery appointment.
• Healing Phase: Following implant placement, most patients will require three to six months of healing. During this time, a process called osseointegration occurs, in which the jawbone tissue will fuse with the titanium post for long-term stability. While you are healing, Dr. Nordhus will provide a temporary crown for you to wear.
• Impressions: After the healing period is complete, we will take impressions of your mouth. These impressions will be sent to our dental lab for the fabrication of your new crown.
• Fabrication of Implant-Supported Crown: At the dental lab, a trained ceramist will skillfully craft your new restoration to blend in with your dental anatomy. This process typically takes about one to two weeks.
• Placement of Your Final Restoration: Once we receive your crown from the lab, we will schedule an appointment for you in our office. Dr. Nordhus will place the crown, assess your bite, and make any necessary adjustments.

Once this process is complete, your implant-supported crown will function just like a natural tooth. Most of our patients find that a beautiful, healthy, and functional smile is well worth the wait, as implants can last a lifetime with proper care.

Learn More about Implant-Supported Crowns

If you are missing a single tooth, and would like to explore replacement options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nordhus. Call our office at (316) 721- 6730 or contact us online.