What is an implant supported crown?

Published implant prosthetic survival data from the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry consistently shows 10-year survival rates above 95% for single-unit implant crowns when the implant is well-integrated and the prosthetic is properly designed. The crown itself, depending on material, typically functions 10 to 15 years before any consideration of replacement. Zirconia crowns tend to outlast lithium disilicate in posterior load-bearing positions. The implant fixture below, when osseointegrated, can last decades.

A traditional bridge spans a gap by anchoring a false tooth to crowns placed on the two adjacent natural teeth, which requires grinding those teeth down. An implant supported crown replaces the missing tooth at its own root position without touching the neighbors. For a single missing tooth between two healthy teeth, implant supported crowns are usually the more conservative long-term choice. Bridges remain relevant when adjacent teeth already need crowns or when implant placement is not viable.

Yes, in most cases. A screw-retained crown can be unscrewed, serviced or replaced, and screwed back in without disturbing the implant fixture or the abutment if the abutment is still sound. Cement-retained crowns are harder to retrieve cleanly but can still be sectioned off if needed. This is one reason restorative dentists request screw-retained designs on posterior implant cases at Dani Dental, the retrievability protects the patient's long-term options.