In the world of dentistry, there are many solutions for restoring a smile, but is it possible to place a crown without a tooth?
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength, as well as improve its appearance.
Crowns are made of ceramic, zirconia, porcelain, metal-ceramic, or metal. They provide protection and increased durability to the covered tooth while also enhancing its look. This is very similar to putting a cover on an old sofa. The sofa may look and feel new without replacing the material it is made of.
Crowns are among the most common dental procedures performed by general dentists. They are used to protect and restore teeth that are severely damaged by decay. They are often recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a filling. Fillings are used in most cases when 50% or more of the tooth remains intact. When ¾ or more of the tooth is damaged or worn down, crowns are the best solution. Dental crowns are designed to attach to small tooth surfaces.
Do dentists place crowns when the tooth is damaged?
If the natural tooth is insufficient for securely attaching a crown, the dentist first reconstructs the tooth with composite resin. This strong material is applied in thin layers, rebuilding the tooth’s surface until it is large enough to support a crown. The crown is then placed over the resin structure.
A dentist can also place a crown even if only the tooth root remains. However, this may require placing a post or a core buildup to reinforce the root before attaching the crown.
A core buildup is a small prosthetic piece, either cast or prefabricated, that is fixed into the root canal system and serves as a support for the crown. It strengthens the root by being anchored deep inside the tooth canals.
Is it possible to place a crown if there is no tooth?
The short answer is yes, but it is a little more complex than a typical crown procedure.
It may seem impossible since there is no tooth surface to attach the crown to, but your dentist may suggest two options: bridges and implants.
Dental bridges
A dental bridge is a restorative procedure that fills the gap between missing teeth. Bridges require:
• two supporting teeth on both sides of the gap;
• a prosthetic structure that replaces 1–3 teeth and consists of multiple connected crowns.
There are many different types of bridges, but the basic elements remain the same. Dental bridges do not require surgery. They are ideal for those who want a fixed replacement but cannot or do not wish to undergo implant placement.
Implant-supported crowns
When there is no tooth to place a crown on, an implant-supported crown is the ideal solution. This involves placing a dental implant — a titanium post — into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. After implant placement, a healing period follows to allow it to integrate with the bone, a process known as osseointegration. This is critical for providing the stability needed for the final restoration. It usually takes several months for the implant to fully fuse with the jawbone, creating a strong foundation.
Once the implant integrates with the jawbone, the next step is attaching the crown. It is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. The crown is attached to the implant using an abutment — a connector piece between the artificial tooth root and the crown.
Every crown is custom-made. There is no one-size-fits-all crown. Crowns are individual restorations designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.
Crowns are not only custom and aesthetically pleasing but also easy to maintain. They are permanently fixed in your mouth, and you can brush and floss them as usual. With proper care, dental crowns can last 10–15 years or even longer.
Benefits of implant-supported crowns
Implant-supported crowns have several advantages:
• restore functionality, allowing you to eat and speak normally;
• provide aesthetics, boosting confidence and improving your smile;
• help maintain facial structure and prevent bone loss, which is a common issue after tooth loss.
The process of getting an implant-supported crown
The process of getting an implant-supported crown is a multi-step procedure consisting of an initial consultation, implant placement, a healing period, and finally, crown placement. Although it may seem lengthy, the result is a stable, durable, and aesthetic tooth replacement.
It is important to note that the patient’s eligibility for this procedure is determined individually, considering factors such as overall health, oral condition, and bone density.
We will carefully analyze your teeth and recommend the best treatment options for restoring functionality. Our goal is to give you back a confident smile as well as the ability to enjoy your favorite foods. Book an appointment at YAREMA DENTAL to learn more about dental crowns.