Losing one or more teeth can make you feel self-conscious, cause difficulties with chewing and speaking, and even lead to jawbone loss. Porcelain crowns on implants are the most effective method to remedy this situation. So, what are implant-supported porcelain crowns? What is the procedure for them?
What are Implant-Supported Porcelain Crowns?
Implant-supported porcelain crowns are an effective restorative solution that helps replace missing teeth with a color and function similar to natural teeth. Thanks to modern design and high-quality materials, implant porcelain crowns can last a lifetime with proper care.
Porcelain restoration on implants is a technique where a porcelain crown is attached to an implant post via an abutment connector, typically performed after a bone integration period of 2 – 6 months. At this point, the implant post has fully integrated with the jawbone, ensuring stability during use.
Currently, there are many suitable types of porcelain crowns for restoration, such as Titanium porcelain crowns, all-ceramic Cercon HT crowns, or all-ceramic Zirconia crowns. For those with limited budgets or needing restorations in the molar region, Titanium porcelain crowns are an economical choice, still ensuring strength for chewing, although their aesthetic appeal is not as high as all-ceramic crowns. Meanwhile, all-ceramic crowns are an ideal choice for front teeth due to their ability to mimic natural tooth color and provide a natural, refined appearance.
Choosing the right type of porcelain for an implant not only optimizes the restorative effect but also ensures long-term oral health. Consult a specialist dentist to find the most suitable solution for your needs and financial conditions.
Procedure for Porcelain Crowns on Implants
The procedure for placing porcelain crowns on implants is a meticulous series of steps aimed at ensuring the restored tooth achieves optimal durability, aesthetics, and compatibility with the jawbone.
Step 1: Oral Examination and Diagnosis
First, the dentist will perform a comprehensive examination and diagnosis of your oral health. This is a crucial step to ensure the implant post is placed in the correct position, enhancing durability and restoration effectiveness.
Step 2: Implant Post Placement into the Jawbone
After identifying the appropriate location, the dentist will surgically place the implant post directly into the jawbone. You will need to wait for a period for the implant to bio-integrate and form a strong bond with the jawbone.
Step 3: X-ray to Verify Implant Position
Once the post has been placed, the dentist will use X-ray imaging to check its accuracy. If the implant is in the correct position, the porcelain crown procedure will continue.
Step 4: Porcelain Crown Fabrication using CAD/CAM Technology
Dental specialists will fabricate the porcelain crown based on modern CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology. This process creates a 3D model of the tooth, from which specialized machinery is used to produce highly precise porcelain crowns tailored to each individual.
Step 5: Porcelain Crown Placement on the Implant
Once the porcelain crown is complete, the dentist will place it onto the implant and use a special adhesive to securely bond it to the post. This process is carried out meticulously to ensure long-term stability.
Step 6: Porcelain Crown Check and Adjustment
Finally, the dentist will check and adjust the porcelain crown to ensure a perfect fit, optimal aesthetics, and no discomfort during chewing. If necessary, minor adjustments will be made to perfect your new smile.
Which Type of Porcelain Crown is Best for Implants?
Implant-Supported Porcelain Crowns with Metal-Ceramic Crowns
Metal-ceramic crowns have long been a popular choice for implant-supported restorations, featuring a framework made from alloys such as Ni-Cr, Cr-Co, or Ni-Cr-Titan, coated with a layer of Ceramco III porcelain enamel. This type of crown is known for its high durability, good biting force resistance, and enamel color that closely resembles natural teeth, meeting aesthetic requirements.
However, metal-ceramic crowns can cause gum irritation or oxidize over time, often leading to a darkened gum line. This limits the lifespan of metal-ceramic crowns, which typically last only a few years before needing replacement.
Implant-Supported Porcelain Crowns with All-Ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic crowns represent the latest technology in implant dentistry, crafted entirely from pure porcelain, from inside out, without any metal mixture. Notable types include Emax, Zirconia, and HI-Zirconia – all offering superior aesthetics, colors identical to natural teeth, and being safe, biocompatible, without causing irritation or darkened gum lines.
Thanks to their high strength, all-ceramic crowns provide excellent chewing ability, and with proper care, their lifespan can extend for decades or even permanently. This is an ideal choice for those seeking a durable and aesthetically optimal restorative solution.
What to Note After Implant Placement?
Diet After Implant Placement
During the first few weeks after implant placement, you need to pay special attention to your diet to protect the implant post. Choose soft and liquid foods that are easy to chew and swallow, to avoid putting pressure on the implant post. Stay away from overly hard or chewy foods, as they can damage the implant post. Once the implant post has fully integrated and become firm, you can resume eating normally.
Oral Care Habits
Implant-supported porcelain crowns need to be cleaned properly, just like natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean gently without damaging the tissues around the implant post. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or when the bristles become frayed or splayed, as its cleaning ability significantly decreases at this point.
Additionally, you should limit sugary and fatty foods, especially before bedtime. These types of foods create ideal conditions for harmful bacteria to grow, leading to conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis, etc.
Incorporate the use of a water flosser, mouthwash, and dental floss for effective tooth cleaning, helping to remove leftover food particles and promoting bright, strong teeth.
Don’t forget to supplement your diet with fiber-rich and vitamin-rich foods, especially vitamin C, to boost immunity, support anti-inflammation, and help strengthen your teeth.
Finally, undergo regular dental check-ups at reputable dental clinics to monitor your oral health and receive timely treatment if any issues arise.
