What Is an Implant Crown? The Complete Treatment Process
When people say they are getting a dental implant, they often mean the entire replacement tooth. The implant post and the implant crown are actually different parts of the treatment.
The dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. After the area heals, an implant crown is attached above the gumline. The implant crown is the part that looks like a tooth and helps restore the appearance and function of the space.
A completed single-tooth implant commonly includes:
– The implant post, which sits in the jawbone
– An abutment, which connects the implant post to the implant crown
– The implant crown, which is designed to fit the space and coordinate with the surrounding teeth
An implant crown is different from a regular dental crown. A regular dental crown covers and protects an existing natural tooth. An implant crown replaces the visible portion of a tooth that is no longer present. Determining which type of restoration is appropriate begins with an examination of the tooth, gums, bone, bite, and overall oral health.
Implant Placement and the Final Crown in One Coral Gables Office
Dental implant treatment involves both a surgical phase and a restorative phase. For patients who prefer the convenience of completing their treatment in one office, South Gables Dental works with a periodontist who has more than 30 years of experience placing dental implants. The periodontist performs the surgical placement of the implant post, and once the implant has healed and is ready to be restored, Dr. Lesperance scans, designs, and places the custom implant crown.This coordinated approach gives patients one familiar office for the full process.
Patients may also choose to have the implant post placed by an oral surgeon. In that case, Dr. Lesperance coordinates with the oral surgeon and completes the final restorative phase after the implant post is ready for the implant crown.
Why Healing Comes Before the Final Implant Crown
The implant post needs time to become stable in the jawbone before it can support the final implant crown. During a process called osseointegration, the bone heals around the implant. The length of this stage varies from patient to patient and may be affected by the implant location, available bone, whether additional procedures were needed, and individual healing.
The periodontist or oral surgeon determines when the implant post is ready for restoration, and Dr. Lesperance plans the implant crown after that confirmation.
Waiting for appropriate healing is an important clinical stage of treatment. Patients receive an explanation of what is happening, what comes next, and when the restorative phase can begin to have the implant crown created. If a temporary tooth is appropriate during healing, the available options will be discussed as part of the individual treatment plan.
What to Expect During the Implant Crown Process
Although every case is different, the path from a missing tooth to a completed implant crown generally includes the following steps.
1. Evaluation and treatment planning
Dr. Lesperance evaluates the missing-tooth area, surrounding teeth, gums, bone, bite, dental history, and treatment goals. This visit is also a chance to discuss whether an implant is an appropriate option and what alternatives may be considered.
2. Implant placement by the periodontist or oral surgeon
If implant treatment is selected, the periodontist or oral surgeon places the implant post in the jawbone. Any additional surgical needs and post-procedure instructions are determined for the individual case.
3. Healing and follow-up
The implant is given time to integrate with the surrounding bone. Healing is monitored rather than rushed. The timeline can vary, so patients are kept informed instead of being given a one-size-fits-all promise.
4. Digital restorative planning
After the implant is ready, Dr. Lesperance begins the restorative phase. South Gables Dental uses iTero digital scanning to capture information needed to plan the implant crown without relying on a traditional full-mouth impression in many cases. Dr. Lesperance considers the available space, neighboring teeth, bite, shape, and shade when planning the implant crown.
5. Implant crown delivery and placement
At the final delivery appointment, Dr. Lesperance evaluates how the crown looks, how it fits, and how the teeth come together. He makes time for the patient to ask questions and describe how the implant crown feels before the visit is complete. Follow-up recommendations are based on the needs of the individual implant and surrounding tissues.
A Custom Implant Crown Designed for the Whole Smile
An implant crown should not be treated as an isolated tooth. Its size, shape, shade, position, and bite all need to work with the rest of the mouth. A front implant crown may place greater emphasis on visible shape and shade details, while a back-tooth restoration must also account for the forces used in chewing.
Dr. Lesperance brings decades of restorative experience to this part of care. He has also worked with CEREC digital restorative technology for more than 20 years. A CEREC same-day crown on a natural tooth and an implant crown are not automatically the same process, but that long background in digital crown design supports a careful understanding of fit, bite, contours, and appearance.
Rather than making assumptions about what every patient wants, Dr. Lesperance explains the restorative choices and invites questions. The goal is for the patient to understand why a recommendation is being made and what to expect before the crown is finalized.
An Implant Crown Experience Built Around Time and Attention
South Gables Dental is a small practice by design. Patients are not moved through a high-volume schedule or double-booked with someone else at the same time. One doctor and one assistant focus on the patient, which gives Dr. Lesperance time to listen, explain the treatment, and answer questions without making the visit feel rushed.
That attention is especially helpful during implant treatment because there are multiple stages and two distinct provider roles. Patients may want to know whether healing is progressing as expected, why the crown cannot be placed yet, how the final tooth will be designed, or what they should do between visits. Those questions are part of the appointment and time is given so Dr. Lesperance can explain and answer all questions.
Caring for an Implant Crown
An implant crown cannot develop a cavity, but the gum and bone around the implant still require consistent care. Plaque can collect around an implant just as it does around natural teeth. Brushing, cleaning between the teeth, and having recommended dental cleanings help the dental team monitor the crown, bite, implant, and surrounding tissues.
The best cleaning method can depend on the crown design and the space around it. Dr. Lesperance and the hygiene team can show patients how to clean around their specific restoration and whether any additional tools may be helpful. Patients should also mention changes such as looseness, discomfort, swelling, bleeding, or a difference in the bite rather than waiting for the next routine visit.
Talk With South Gables Dental About an Implant Crown
If you have a missing tooth, an existing implant that is ready for an implant crown, or an implant crown that needs to be evaluated, South Gables Dental can help clarify the next step. You will receive a careful assessment, a clear explanation of each provider’s role, and time to ask questions before making a treatment decision. South Gables Dental also offers free parking at its Coral Gables office, making consultations and progress visits easier to manage.
Contact South Gables Dental to request an implant crown consultation in Coral Gables. With implant placement by an experienced periodontist and final implant crown by Dr. Lesperance available in the same office, your care can stay connected from treatment planning through the completed implant crown.
