Implant Crowns: Replacing a Tooth That Looks and Feels Like the Real Thing

Published on Jul 11, 2025 | 6 minute read

a woman is sitting in a dental chair looking at her teeth in a mirror .

Let’s be honest—when you lose a tooth, you don’t just miss it. You notice it. Every time you bite down, every time you speak, and especially when you see your reflection. But what if you could replace that one tooth with something so lifelike, even you might forget it’s not natural?

That’s where implant crowns come in. They’re the perfect blend of strength, beauty, and function—anchored securely into your jaw and crafted to match your natural teeth. Whether you’ve lost a front tooth or a molar, implant crowns offer a permanent, elegant fix that doesn’t just fill a space—it completes your smile.

What Is an Implant Crown, Exactly?

An implant crown is the final restoration placed on top of a dental implant. If the implant post is like the root of a tooth, the crown is the visible part—the one that does the chewing, the smiling, and the heavy lifting.

Unlike traditional crowns that cap a damaged tooth, implant crowns are connected to a titanium implant that has been surgically placed into the jawbone. That means there’s no need for surrounding teeth to be reshaped or compromised.

An implant crown typically includes:

  • The implant post (root substitute)
  • The abutment (connector piece)
  • The crown (your visible, lifelike tooth)

Together, they make up the most realistic tooth replacement available in dentistry today.

The Timeline: How Do Implant Crowns Come Together?

Getting an implant crown isn’t an overnight fix, but it’s well worth the wait. Here’s how the journey unfolds:

Step 1: Implant Placement

The first step is placing the implant post into your jawbone. Dr. Hutchinson uses precise imaging and guided techniques for accuracy and comfort. After this, your body needs time to heal and allow the implant to fuse with your bone—a process called osseointegration, which typically takes 3–6 months.

Step 2: Abutment Placement

Once the implant is fully integrated, the abutment is added. This small connector sits just above the gumline and will hold your crown in place.

Step 3: Custom Crown Design

An impression is taken so the lab can design a crown that fits your bite and matches the color and shape of your natural teeth.

Step 4: Final Crown Placement

Your new crown is placed and adjusted for comfort, function, and aesthetics. Once secured, you’re ready to eat, speak, and smile with total confidence.

It’s a bit of a process—but one that leads to a result that lasts decades.

Key Benefits of Implant Crowns (Yes, They’re Backed by Science)

There’s a reason implant crowns are the go-to for single-tooth replacements. They’re not just effective—they’re elegant, dependable, and clinically proven to work long-term.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, implant crowns can last 15 years or more with proper care—and many go 20+ years without needing replacement.

Here are some of the top advantages:

✔ Look and Feel Natural

Each crown is designed to blend seamlessly into your smile. No one—not even you—will be able to tell the difference.

✔ Preserve Jawbone Health

The implant post stimulates your jawbone just like a natural tooth root. That prevents bone loss and keeps your facial structure intact.

✔ No Impact on Other Teeth

Unlike a dental bridge, implant crowns don’t require grinding down adjacent teeth. It’s a stand-alone solution that respects the rest of your smile.

✔ Strong and Functional

Eat whatever you want—apples, nuts, steak. Implant crowns handle real-life chewing power with ease.

✔ Easy Maintenance

Treat your implant crown like any other tooth—brush, floss, and keep up with your checkups. No special tools or tricks needed.

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Implant Crown?

Implant crowns are perfect for patients who:

  • Have lost a single tooth (front or back)
  • Have a healthy jawbone or are willing to undergo bone grafting
  • Don’t want a removable appliance like a partial denture
  • Want a tooth that won’t slip, shift, or decay

Even if you’ve been missing a tooth for a while, it’s not too late. A consultation can determine if your bone is strong enough or if preparatory treatment is needed.

Cost vs. Value: Why It’s Worth Every Penny

An implant crown may cost more upfront than a dental bridge or removable partial. But let’s look at the big picture:

  • Bridges typically last 10–15 years and may affect adjacent teeth.
  • Implant crowns often last 20+ years and help preserve jawbone and nearby teeth.

When you factor in durability, function, and quality of life, an implant crown often becomes the smarter—and more cost-effective—choice.

At Best Value Dentures & Implants, we’re happy to talk financing and help you find a plan that fits your needs.

How to Take Care of Your Implant Crown

The good news? There’s no special maintenance routine. Just keep things clean:

  • Brush twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Floss around the implant daily (interdental brushes can help too)
  • Use non-abrasive toothpaste
  • Visit your dentist every 6 months

A well-maintained implant crown can be a lifelong part of your smile. And unlike natural teeth, it won’t get cavities!

A One-Tooth Fix That Changes Everything

Losing a single tooth might not seem like a big deal—until it starts affecting your bite, your confidence, or the way you feel about your reflection. Implant crowns don’t just fix a gap. They restore your identity, one smile at a time.

You don’t have to live with missing teeth or settle for a temporary solution. If you want the most natural, permanent, and worry-free way to replace a lost tooth, an implant crown is the answer.

Think you might be a good candidate for an implant crown? Call Best Value Dentures & Implants today at 786-984-8235 to book your consultation in Miami and find out how we can bring your smile back to life—one perfect tooth at a time.

Start Your Smile Journey Today

Book your free consultation for a customized treatment plan. Experience affordable dental excellence with multiple financing options, including Cherry, Care Credit, and in-house plans. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 to 7 and Saturday from 9 to 3.

a dental office with a dental chair and a monitor .