Implant Crowns at Anderson Family Dentistry in Mesa AZ
A missing tooth can affect your bite, ability to chew, and how you speak. It can also shift adjacent teeth, making you feel self-conscious when you smile or laugh. Anderson Family Dentistry located in Mesa, AZ, offers implant crowns, a proven, long-term restoration of a missing tooth that is strong and looks natural. Unlike complete dental implants, implant crowns do not require drilling into your jawbone. We design and place a custom-made crown that attaches to your existing implants, making your smile look and feel complete.
What is an Implant Crown?
An implant crown is the visible, tooth-shaped part of a replacement tooth. Unlike traditional crowns, an implant crown sits on existing titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone. The crown and implant connect through a small piece called an abutment. Custom-made like a normal crown, it matches the shape, color, and size of its surrounding teeth.
How Implant Crowns Differ from Traditional Crowns and Bridges
Dentists place crowns as a cap after reshaping and preparing the tooth underneath. A crown protects the underlying tooth from damage. Bridges are placed to fill a gap between teeth left by a missing tooth. Depending on the technique used, bridges rely on the structural strength of one or both adjacent teeth.
An implant crown is different. It attaches to an implant post that serves as an artificial root, rather than relying on a natural tooth or neighboring teeth for support.
This makes an implant crown useful in cases where:
- A single missing tooth needs replacement without alterations to healthy neighboring teeth.
- A stable, fixed replacement is required instead of a denture, which shifts and is removable.
- Spacing and alignment need to be maintained while filling the gap.
When an Implant Crown May Be Recommended
An implant crown is most commonly recommended when an existing implant post has fully integrated with the jawbone and needs a crown. Typical considerations include:
- Your implant post has fully healed and is ready for the final stage of its restoration.
- Your current implant crown is damaged or worn and needs replacement.
During your consultation, Mark W. Anderson will review your specific situation and discuss whether you need an implant crown or another restorative treatment.
What to Expect During Your Implant Crown Appointment
Your treatment at Anderson Family Dentistry starts with a clinical evaluation of your mouth, any existing implants, and your overall bite. We review your dental history and may take X-rays to confirm whether the implant site and surrounding gums can support a permanent crown.
We take detailed impressions of your teeth, gums, and implant position to make a custom-made crown. We match the shade to blend with the rest of your teeth. In a follow-up visit, we temporarily place your crown on your implant so you can test the bite, feel, and comfort. Once you approve it, we permanently bond it to your implant using either a small screw or dental cement.
Our goal is to achieve results that provide stability when you chew and look natural when you smile.
Caring for Your Implant Crown
Unlike natural tooth enamel, an implant crown cannot develop cavities. However, the surrounding gums and neighboring teeth still need daily care. Good dental habits help you protect the implant crown, maintain healthy tissue, and extend the life of your restoration.
Some typical recommendations are:
- Brush twice a day and carefully clean around the crown and surrounding gumline.
- Floss regularly or use a water flosser to clean between the implant crown and adjacent teeth. This helps prevent plaque buildup.
- Keep up with your checkups. Monitoring of your implant crown, surrounding bone, and the rest of your teeth is crucial for early detection of related or new dental issues.
- Avoid biting on or chewing very hard objects or food that could chip your restoration.
Payment and Insurance
We believe treatment costs should not stop you from seeking restorative care. Anderson Family Dentistry accepts a range of insurance plans and offers financing to eligible patients using CareCredit and Cherry. We also provide in-house payment plans and a membership plan to help make ongoing care affordable.
Schedule Your Implant Crown Consultation Today!
Is your existing implant missing that final, restorative touch to complete your smile’s function and appearance? An implant crown may be the right solution for you. Contact Anderson Family Dentistry or visit our office to schedule your appointment.
Contact Information
Anderson Family Dentistry
4824 E Baseline Rd Ste 122
Phone: (480) 633-3447
