What Is a Dental Implant Crown?
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth in three parts. The implant post is a titanium screw placed into the jawbone by an oral surgeon or periodontist. The abutment is a small connector piece that sits on top of the implant. The dental implant crown is the visible, tooth-shaped piece that attaches to the abutment.
The implant crown is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. It functions like a natural tooth for chewing and speaking. Unlike a dental bridge, an implant crown does not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Types of Dental Implant Crowns
There are two main ways to attach an implant crown to the abutment. Your dentist or prosthodontist will recommend one based on the implant location, aesthetics, and your specific situation.
Screw-Retained Implant Crowns
A screw-retained crown is attached to the abutment with a small screw that passes through a tiny hole in the top of the crown. This hole is then filled with a tooth-colored composite material.
The main advantage of a screw-retained crown is retrievability. If the crown needs to be removed for repair, cleaning, or replacement, your dentist can simply unscrew it without damaging the crown or the implant. This makes long-term maintenance easier. The small access hole on the chewing surface is the only cosmetic trade-off, and it is usually not noticeable on back teeth.
Cement-Retained Implant Crowns
A cement-retained crown is glued onto the abutment with dental cement, similar to how a traditional crown is placed on a natural tooth. There is no access hole, which gives the crown a smoother surface and can be an advantage for front teeth where aesthetics are a priority.
The drawback is that removing a cemented crown is more difficult if maintenance is needed. Excess cement under the gum line can also cause inflammation around the implant if not fully cleaned away during placement. Despite this, cement-retained crowns remain a common and effective option.
Implant Crown Materials
The material used for your dental implant crown affects its appearance, durability, and cost. The three most common options each have strengths depending on where in the mouth the crown will go.
All-Ceramic (Porcelain) Crowns
All-ceramic crowns are made entirely of dental porcelain or a similar ceramic material. They provide the most natural-looking result because ceramic mimics the translucency and light reflection of natural enamel.
These crowns are a popular choice for front teeth. They are strong enough for normal function but may chip under heavy biting forces, so they are used less often on molars in patients who clench or grind their teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a type of ceramic that is significantly stronger than traditional porcelain. Monolithic zirconia crowns (made from a single block of zirconia) are highly resistant to chipping and fracture, making them a good option for both front and back teeth.
Newer generations of zirconia have improved translucency, giving them a more natural appearance than earlier versions. Zirconia crowns are increasingly the most popular choice for implant restorations because they combine strength with acceptable aesthetics.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns have a metal base covered with a layer of porcelain. They were the standard for decades and still offer a reliable combination of strength and aesthetics.
The main limitation is that the metal base can sometimes create a dark line near the gum margin, especially if the gums recede over time. For this reason, PFM crowns have become less common for front teeth as all-ceramic and zirconia options have improved.
How a Dental Implant Crown Is Placed
The implant crown is the final step in the dental implant process. It is placed after the implant post has fully integrated with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration that typically takes 3 to 6 months.
Impressions and Crown Design
Once your implant has healed, your dentist or prosthodontist takes an impression or digital scan of the implant position, the surrounding teeth, and your bite. This information is sent to a dental laboratory where the crown is custom-fabricated.
The lab technician matches the crown to the color, shape, and contour of your natural teeth. This process typically takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Crown Placement Appointment
At the placement visit, the abutment is connected to the implant (if not already placed), and the crown is attached. Your provider checks the bite, fit, and color match. Adjustments are made as needed.
The appointment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Most patients do not need anesthesia for crown placement since the implant itself has no nerve endings. You can eat and function normally shortly after the crown is placed.
Dental Implant Crown Cost
The dental implant crown is one component of the total implant cost. A single implant crown typically costs $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the material and laboratory fees. This is in addition to the cost of the implant post ($1,500 to $2,500) and the abutment ($500 to $1,000).
The total cost for a single-tooth dental implant, from surgery through final crown, typically ranges from $3,500 to $6,500. Zirconia and all-ceramic crowns tend to cost more than PFM crowns. Custom-shaded crowns and crowns made by specialized labs may also cost more.
Dental insurance may cover a portion of the crown, though many plans have annual maximums that limit the total benefit. Some plans classify implant crowns as a major procedure with 50% coverage. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Crown Last?
A well-made dental implant crown typically lasts 15 to 20 years with proper care. Some crowns last even longer. The implant post itself can last a lifetime if it remains healthy and well-maintained.
The crown is the part most likely to need replacement over time due to normal wear, chipping, or changes in the surrounding gum tissue. Back teeth experience more chewing force and may show wear sooner than front teeth. Regular dental checkups allow your provider to monitor the crown and catch any issues early.
Caring for Your Implant Crown
An implant crown requires the same daily care as natural teeth.
- Brush twice daily and floss around the implant crown, including under the gum line. A water flosser can help reach areas that are hard to clean with traditional floss.
- Avoid chewing on very hard items like ice, hard candy, or pen caps.
- If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a night guard to protect the crown.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings at least twice a year.
Why See a Prosthodontist for Your Implant Crown?
General dentists can place implant crowns, and many do so routinely. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist with 3 additional years of residency training focused on replacing and restoring teeth, including implant restorations.
Consider seeing a prosthodontist if you are replacing a front tooth where appearance is critical, if you have a complex bite, if multiple implants need to be restored, or if a previous implant crown did not look or fit the way you expected. Prosthodontists work closely with oral surgeons and periodontists to plan implant cases from start to finish. Learn more on our [prosthodontics specialty page](/specialties/prosthodontics).
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