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Update: July 15, 2024 | Author: Dr. Ronald Pham | Publish: May 17, 2024

How Are Dental Crowns Attached To A Dental Implant?

We have found that dental crowns are versatile. They provide practical solutions for various dental issues. Patients must understand the types of crowns.

They must know how crowns attach, dental procedures, and care. This knowledge lets them make informed decisions about their dental health.

What is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a cap. It covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and look. Our team works with various crown materials.

These include porcelain or ceramic for a natural look. They also include metal for strength and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) for a mix.

what is a dental crown?

This dental restoration protects weak teeth from breaking or decay. It also restores broken or worn-down teeth.

It improves the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth. It supports teeth with large fillings, anchors dental bridges, and covers dental implants.

Types of Dental Crowns and Their Attachment Methods

We offer several types of crowns, each with its attachment method.

Traditional Crowns

The tooth is filed down, an impression or scan is taken, a temporary crown is placed, and the permanent crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth using dental cement.

Type traditional crowns

Same-Day Crowns (CEREC)

The scanner scans the tooth. We design and mill the crown on-site. Then, a strong glue bonds it to the tooth.

Type same day crowns CEREC

Crowns on Dental Implants

Your dentist skillfully places a dental implant into your jawbone. It will be the strong base for your new smile. After a short healing period, an abutment is attached.

Type Crowns On Dental Implants

Next, the dentist can screw a crown to the abutment if it is a screw-retained dental crown. Or, use dental cement for cement-retained crowns. Both options offer natural-looking results, enhancing your smile and boosting your confidence.

Your dentist will recommend the best option for you. They will consider your unique needs and ensure a perfect fit.

The Dental Crown Procedure: Step-by-Step

Our crown procedure involves several steps:

Step 1: Consultation and treatment planning.

Step 2: Tooth preparation, if needed, for natural teeth.

Step 3: Impression or Scan (for natural teeth and implants).

Step 4:

  • Placement of the abutment is necessary for dental implants. The healing period, if necessary, varies in duration. If necessary, the dentist places a temporary crown.
  • Place a temporary crown on the prepared tooth for natural teeth.

Step 5: Permanent Crown Fabrication.

Step 6: Crown Fitting and Adjustment.

Step 7 is the final cementation or bonding. This usually uses dental cement but can vary by case.

Important Notes

  • Implant Healing: Crowns on implants need a healing period before final placement.
  • Personalized approach: Your dentist will guide you. They will ensure that your experience is comfortable and positive.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Evidence indicates that proper dental care is crucial for maintaining your crown. We recommend:

  • Brushing and flossing to maintain good oral health.
  • Avoiding hard or sticky foods that may damage the crown.
  • Scheduling regular dental check-ups with your dentist.
  • Use desensitizing toothpaste or consult your dentist if sensitivity occurs.

Alternative Treatments to Dental Crowns

Beautiful alternatives to crowns are available! Depending on the damage and your needs, the best option varies.

Fillings

A great, affordable solution for small cavities or minor damage. However, it’s cost depends on many factors. These include filling size, location, and dentist’s fees.

fillings alternative treatments to crowns

Composite fillings have a natural, teeth-like color. They’re also very durable. They last 5-10 years with proper care. Finally, You should ask a dentist about the best options for you. The right fillings and their cost can vary.

Inlays, or Onlays

Inlays, or Onlays, are a perfect middle ground for moderate teeth damage. However, the best option depends on the dentist. These custom-made restorations cover more of the tooth than fillings. They offer better strength and protection.

Inlays, Or Onlays Alternative Treatments To Crowns

Bonding

A quick fix for minor cosmetic repairs and structural problems. Dentists apply and sculpt tooth-colored resin to mend chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth.

Bonding alternative treatments to crowns

Veneers

A popular choice for smile enhancement. You can improve your teeth by bonding thin shells to the front. Porcelain or composite makes the shells. They can also protect damaged teeth, depending on the material.

Veneers Alternative Treatments To Crowns

Implants

The top choice for replacing a missing tooth! A titanium post is placed in the jawbone, acting as a firm root for a replacement tooth, or crown.

Implants alternative treatments to crowns

Bridges

It’s a great option when you’re missing one or more teeth. You can fix or remove these appliances. They replace missing teeth by attaching to nearby natural dentition or implants. Ask your dentist about these options. Find the best one for your unique smile.

Dental bridges alternative treatments to crowns

Risks and Complications of Dental Crowns

Crowns are common and effective dental restorations. But they have risks and complications. These include nerve damage, allergic reactions, crown loosening, and infection.

The likelihood of these complications varies. It depends on many factors. These include patient health, the type of crown, and the dental practitioner’s skill.

However, with careful planning and skilled execution, dentists can cut these risks. Note that crowns are often used to fix dental implants. The listed complications relate to the crown, not the implant procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Eat After Getting A Dental Crown?

After receiving a dental crown, returning to eating takes a day or two. It’s crucial to exercise caution when selecting foods, though.

Steer clear of hard foods during the initial days. These consist of ice, hard candies, and nuts. The crown can shatter or chip as a result.

Steer clear of sticky foods like gum, taffy, and caramel. They might tug or push the crown out of place.

You’ll grow used to it when the crown settles. You can then incorporate firmer meals into your diet.

After getting a dental crown, always follow the diet advice from your dental practitioner. The advice may change depending on the kind of crown and your particular situation.

Is Getting A Dental Crown Painful?

The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, numbing the area. You might have mild discomfort or sensitivity afterward. However, you can usually manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Can A Dental Crown Fall Off?

This is not an everyday occurrence. However, crowns may loosen or detach over time due to decay, trauma, or improper cementation. See your dental practitioner right away. This ensures attaching the crown, and repairing or replacing it if needed.

Do Dental Crowns Look Natural?

Dental professionals design modern dental crowns to match the color of your teeth. They also match their shape and size.

This makes them an excellent option for tooth replacement or restoration. They have a seamless appearance.

How Do I Clean A Dental Crown?

Brush and floss around the crown as you would. Often, visits go to the dentist. This will ensure the crown lasts and your oral health remains good.

Are There Alternatives To Dental Crowns?

Consider alternatives like fillings, veneers, or onlays. Your choice depends on the extent of the damage to your natural tooth and your aesthetic goals.

How Do I Choose The Right Dentist For A Dental Crown?

Look for a dentist with experience in fixing teeth. They should offer many dental services. Read online reviews. Ask for recommendations. Then, schedule a consultation to discuss your options.

Will A Dental Crown Affect My Speech?

At first, you might have slight pronunciation changes. But your speech will adapt as you get used to the accent.

Can I Whiten A Dental Crown?

While rare, crowns can loosen or detach over time due to decay, trauma, or improper cementation. See your dentist immediately if this happens to ensure the crown is attached correctly.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?

Coverage for dental crowns varies by your plan and the reason for the procedure. Contact your provider for specific details about your dental implant restoration options.

Conclusion

Understanding the many aspects of dental crowns empowers patients. It helps them make the best oral health choices.

Talking to a dentist will determine whether a dental crown is right for you. This applies if you need a crown to attach to a dental implant or a traditional crown for a damaged tooth.

Our team dedicates itself to providing complete, tailored care. It aims to restore and maintain your smile.

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Dr. Ronald Pham

Dr. Ronald Pham, DDS, is a Doctor of Dental Surgery who graduated from the USC Ostrow School of Dentistry in 2015. With over 8 years of experience in general dentistry, he specializes in Dental restoration, Root canal treatment, and Dental implants…

Dr. Pham has restored the smiles of +2,000 patients and is committed to providing professional dental care focused on patient comfort. He achieves this by combining a welcoming space and state-of-the-art dental technology.

Guaranteed smiles!

Guaranteed Smiles!

As a premiere dentist office in Orange CA, we will always make sure that your experience is memorable, friendly, and professional. We strive to meet your highest expectations in every way imaginable, from your very first interaction with our office staff, to the quality of treatment you receive. We don’t take our patients’ trust for granted, and will promise to over-deliver with your best interest in mind. So give us a call today, and experience our first-class service!

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