Implant Crowns: The Perfect Solution for Your Smile in Prague

Imagine a dental implant as an artificial tooth root. It is a small screw, usually made of biocompatible titanium, that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Titanium has the unique ability to osseointegrate, which means that bone tissue grows firmly to it, creating a stable and solid foundation for a future dental prosthesis. This process usually takes several months.

However, the implant itself is not visible and does not replace the chewing function or aesthetics of the visible part of the tooth. This is what a dental crown is for. A crown is a prosthetic replacement that is placed on an implant (usually via a connecting element called an abutment) and matches your original teeth in shape, size, and color. It is the part that you see when you smile and that takes over the chewing function of the lost tooth. Without a crown, the implant would not be able to fulfill its function as a full-fledged tooth replacement.

The choice of material for an implant crown depends on several factors, including the location of the implant in the mouth (front or back teeth), your aesthetic requirements and financial capabilities. At Dobrý Dent, our specialists will help you choose the most suitable option:

• All-ceramic crowns: These crowns are made entirely of ceramics (e.g. lithium disilicate or zirconium oxide). Their greatest advantage is excellent aesthetics. They perfectly imitate the natural appearance of the tooth, including its translucency (translucency) and color. They are an ideal choice for front teeth, where aesthetics come first. In addition, modern ceramic materials are very strong and biocompatible (do not irritate the gums). Zirconia crowns are extremely strong and are also suitable for back teeth.
• Metal-ceramic crowns: They consist of an inner metal structure (usually an alloy of precious or base metals), which provides strength, and an outer layer of ceramic, which adds aesthetic appearance. They are very durable and represent a proven solution, especially for back teeth, where greater emphasis is placed on resistance to chewing pressure. Aesthetically, they are very good, although they may not achieve the perfect naturalness of all-ceramic crowns (the metal edge may sometimes be slightly visible at the gum).
• Zirconia crowns: As already mentioned, zirconia is a type of ceramic, but it deserves a separate mention for its exceptional properties. It combines high strength (comparable to metal) with excellent aesthetics and biocompatibility. Crowns made of pure zirconia or zirconia coated with a more aesthetic ceramic are a universal solution for both front and back teeth. They are hypoallergenic and metal-free.

At Dobrý Dent, we only work with proven dental laboratories that use certified materials of the highest quality. Thanks to this, we can guarantee not only perfect aesthetics, but also a long service life of your new crowns.

The placement of the crown on the implant is the final phase of implant treatment. At Dobrý Dent, we pay attention to the precision and comfort of the patient at every step:

1. Healing and osseointegration phase: After the implant is placed, there is a healing period (usually 3-6 months), during which the implant firmly fuses with the bone. In some cases, immediate loading can be performed, but the standard procedure requires time for perfect osseointegration.
2. Healing roller and impression: After the implant has successfully healed, a so-called healing roller is placed on it, which shapes the gum around the future crown into a natural shape. Then comes the impression. At Dobrý Dent, we prefer the modern and comfortable method of digital impression using a 3D intraoral scanner. This scanner creates an accurate digital model of your jaw and the position of the implant without the need for uncomfortable impression materials.
3. Abutment selection and placement: The abutment is the connecting link between the implant and the crown. It can be standard or individually manufactured (e.g. from titanium or zirconium) to achieve optimal shape and aesthetics. The choice of abutment is key to the correct placement of the crown.
4. Crown production in the laboratory: Based on the digital impression and the selected material, the dental laboratory will manufacture your custom-made crown. Thanks to digital technologies (CAD/CAM), production is very precise.
5. Testing and final placement: Before the final attachment, we carefully test the crown. We check its shape, color, bite and fit on the implant. We use a dental microscope for maximum accuracy in checking details and marginal closure. If everything is in order, we will finally fix the crown to the abutment using a special cement or screw.

Benefits of digital impression using a 3D scanner

Using a 3D intraoral scanner at Dobrý Dent brings a number of advantages:

• Comfort for the patient: There is no need for unpleasant impressions using materials that can trigger a gag reflex.
• Accuracy: Digital impressions are extremely accurate, which leads to a better fit of the final crown.
• Speed: Scanning is fast and the data is immediately sent to the laboratory, which can shorten the time for crown production.
• Visualization: The patient can see a 3D model of their teeth on the screen and better understand the plan treatment.

The role of CBCT in implantology

For safe and accurate planning of implant placement, which precedes crown placement, we use 3D X-ray (CBCT) at Dobrý Dent. This device provides a detailed three-dimensional image of the jawbone, which allows us to:

• Accurately assess the quality and quantity of bone for implantation.
• Plan the ideal position, inclination and size of the implant.
• Identify important anatomical structures (nerves, blood vessels, cavities) and prevent their damage.
• Ensure maximum safety and predictability of the procedure.

Investing in cutting-edge technologies such as CBCT and 3D scanners allows us to provide the highest level of care and minimize risks.

A dental implant-supported crown is in many ways the best solution for replacing one or more missing teeth:

• Preserving neighboring teeth: Unlike a traditional bridge, it is not necessary to grind down healthy neighboring teeth to serve as abutments. The implant with a crown is a separate unit.
• Preventing bone loss: The implant transmits chewing forces to the bone in a similar way to the natural tooth root, thereby stimulating bone and preventing bone loss (atrophy) that occurs after tooth loss.
• Excellent stability and function: A crown on an implant is firmly anchored and provides the same stability and chewing ability as a natural tooth. You don’t have to worry about it coming loose when eating or talking, as you might with removable dentures.
• Natural look and feel: Modern crowns perfectly mimic the look of natural teeth. Patients often report that they perceive the implant-supported denture as their own tooth.
• Longevity: With proper care and regular check-ups, dental implants can last a lifetime and crowns on them for many years (often 15 or more).
• Improved quality of life: Restoring full dental function and smile aesthetics has a positive impact on self-confidence, social interactions, and overall well-being.

To ensure that your implant crown lasts as long as possible and without any problems, consistent oral hygiene and regular check-ups at the dentist’s office are essential. The care is very similar to taking care of your own teeth:

• Regular cleaning: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets the gum.
• Interdental hygiene: Use interdental brushes or special dental floss for implants (superfloss) to clean the spaces around the implant and under the crown.
• Professional dental hygiene: Visit a dental hygienist at Dobrý Dent regularly (usually twice a year). Professional cleaning removes tartar and plaque from areas that regular cleaning cannot reach and helps prevent gum inflammation around the implant (peri-implantitis).
• Regular check-ups: Have regular preventive check-ups with your dentist at Dobrý Dent. The doctor will check the condition of the implant, crown and surrounding tissues, and possibly perform an X-ray.

If you follow these guidelines, a crown on an implant has an excellent prognosis and can serve you reliably for many years. The implant itself can last a lifetime with proper care.

Choosing a dental clinic for such an important procedure as implant placement and crown placement is crucial. At Dobrý Dent in Prague 5 (Anděl), we offer you a combination of experience, modern technologies and an individual approach, which is a guarantee of your satisfaction:

• Experience and expertise: Our doctors have extensive experience in the field of implantology and prosthetics, gained since 2010. They regularly educate themselves and follow the latest trends.
• Top-notch technologies: We invest in modern equipment that increases the accuracy, safety and comfort of treatment:
  • CBCT 3D X-ray: For perfect implant planning.
  • 3D intraoral scanner: For accurate and convenient digital impressions.
  • Dental microscope: For precise work when placing crowns and other procedures.
  • STA system (The Wand): For computer-controlled, practically painless application of anesthesia.
• Individual approach: We devote enough time to each patient, listen to their needs and wishes and propose a tailor-made treatment plan.
• Quality materials: We use only certified, biocompatible materials from renowned manufacturers for crowns and implants.
• Comprehensive care: We offer a wide range of dental services under one roof – from dental hygiene to restorative dentistry to surgery and implantology.
• Comfort and pleasant environment: Our clinic at Jindřicha Plachty 535/16 is modernly furnished and designed so that you feel as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
• Transparency: Before starting treatment, we will discuss with you in detail the entire procedure, including a timeline and financial plan.

We believe that a combination of human approach, expertise and technological advancement is the key to successful and long-term sustainable treatment. If you are considering replacing a lost tooth with an implant-supported crown, entrust yourself to the care of the Dobrý Dent team.