What Is an Implant Crown?
An implant crown is a fixed, permanent restoration used to replace a single missing tooth. Unlike a traditional dental crown, which is placed over an existing natural tooth, an implant crown is supported by a dental implant, a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone and functions as an artificial root. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a custom crown is attached to it, creating a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like the original.
Implant Crowns: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | Several, over 3 to 9 months |
| Time needed | Implant healing takes 3 to 6 months; the crown is made in 2 to 3 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia for implant placement |
| Recovery time | A few days after surgery |
| How long it lasts | The implant can last decades; the crown often 10 to 15 years or longer |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who an Implant Crown Is For
An implant crown replaces a single tooth from root to biting surface without involving the teeth beside it. It suits most healthy adults with enough bone, or who can have bone rebuilt with grafting.
- One missing tooth, or a tooth that cannot be saved
- Healthy neighboring teeth you do not want prepared for a bridge
- Good general health and healthy gums
- Enough jawbone, or willingness to have grafting
- A commitment to daily cleaning and regular maintenance visits
Implant Crowns at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, implant crowns are provided by Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein, a board-certified periodontist with advanced training from NYU’s Post Graduate Program in Periodontics. Dr. Geoffrey’s expertise in bone and soft tissue management ensures that every implant is placed with precision, creating the ideal foundation for a crown that will be stable and long lasting. His approach is thorough and patient centered, beginning with a detailed evaluation of bone density, gum health, and the overall treatment plan before any surgery takes place.
What to Expect, Step by Step
The implant crown process unfolds in stages. After the implant is placed and allowed to heal and integrate with the jawbone, a process that typically takes several months, an abutment is attached to the implant. The final crown is then fabricated to match the surrounding teeth in shade, shape, and contour, and it is secured to the abutment. The result is a standalone restoration that does not rely on neighboring teeth for support and preserves the integrity of the surrounding dental arch.
- Consultation and imaging. 3D imaging measures the bone and locates nerves and sinuses.
- Implant placement. The implant is placed in the jaw under local anesthesia.
- Healing. The bone bonds to the implant over three to six months.
- Abutment. A connector is attached to the implant.
- Impression or scan. Records are taken for the laboratory.
- Crown placement. The crown is attached and the bite is adjusted.
Typical implant crown timeline
| Stage | What happens | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Implant placement | The titanium post is placed in the jawbone | One appointment |
| Healing | Bone integrates with the implant | 3 to 6 months |
| Abutment and records | The connector is placed and impressions are taken | One or two appointments |
| Crown fabrication | The laboratory makes the crown | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Crown placement | The crown is attached and adjusted | One appointment |
An implant crown is only as good as the planning beneath it. Where the implant sits in the bone decides how natural the final tooth looks.
Recovery and Aftercare
After implant surgery and after your crown is placed
The first days after surgery
- Bite on gauze as directed and avoid rinsing hard on the day of surgery
- Use cold packs on the cheek to limit swelling
- Eat soft, cool foods and avoid the surgical side
Living with your implant crown
- Brush the area gently once the gum has healed
- Clean around the crown daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Attend implant maintenance visits
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- The crown or abutment feels loose
- The gum around the implant bleeds, swells or is painful
- You notice a bad taste near the implant
Why Choose an Implant Crown
Implant crowns are widely regarded as the gold standard for single-tooth replacement. They prevent the bone loss that occurs when a tooth is missing, maintain proper spacing and alignment, and eliminate the need to prepare adjacent teeth as a traditional bridge would require. For patients missing multiple teeth, implant bridges and implant full arch restorations extend the same implant-supported approach to larger areas of the mouth.
The Crown Stage in Detail
An implant crown is the visible, functional portion of a dental implant restoration. After the implant post has been placed in the jawbone and fully integrated, a custom crown is fabricated and attached to the implant via an abutment. The crown is designed to match the shape, shade, and contour of the surrounding natural teeth, providing a result that is both aesthetically seamless and fully functional for biting and chewing.
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, implant crowns are provided as part of the comprehensive implant treatment overseen by Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein. Dr. Geoffrey ensures that the implant is positioned at the ideal angle and depth during placement so that the final crown sits naturally within the arch. Precise impressions are taken and sent to the dental laboratory, where the crown is crafted from high-quality ceramic or zirconia materials chosen for their durability and lifelike appearance.
How Implant Crowns Differ from Traditional Crowns
Implant crowns function differently from traditional dental crowns, which are placed over a natural tooth. Because an implant crown is supported by a titanium post rather than a living tooth, it does not carry a risk of decay. However, maintaining healthy gum tissue around the implant is essential for long-term success, which is why regular preventive care and implant maintenance visits are an important part of the ongoing care plan.
Screw-retained and cement-retained implant crowns
| Feature | Screw-retained | Cement-retained |
|---|---|---|
| How it is fixed | A small screw through the crown | Dental cement on the abutment |
| Can be removed for repair | Easily | With more difficulty |
| Appearance | A small filled access hole on the biting surface or back | No access hole |
| Risk from excess cement | None | Must be carefully cleaned away |
Cost and Insurance
The fee for restorative treatment depends on how much of the tooth needs rebuilding and on the material used. You receive a written estimate before treatment starts.
What affects the cost
- The size and position of the tooth being restored
- The material chosen, such as composite, ceramic or zirconia
- Supporting procedures such as a core buildup, post or root canal
- Laboratory fees for custom restorations
Most dental plans contribute to restorative care, often at different rates for fillings, crowns and bridges. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
For typical price ranges, read our guide to how much dental implants cost in Brooklyn.
