Implant Crowns In Lakeland, FL

A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that replaces the root as well as the crown of a missing tooth. The implant itself is a titanium post that integrates with the jawbone and functions as an artificial root. Once the implant has fully integrated, an implant crown is attached to it — a custom-fabricated porcelain or zirconia restoration that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The result is the closest modern dentistry can come to restoring a tooth that was lost.

At Family Dentistry of Lakeland, we restore dental implants with custom implant crowns as part of our restorative dentistry services for patients throughout Lakeland, FL and Polk County. A 2025 long-term follow-up study published in the National Library of Medicine evaluated single-tooth implants placed over 38 to 40 years and found a cumulative implant survival rate of 95.6%, confirming that single-tooth implant treatment offers a favorable long-term prognosis and remains one of the most durable tooth replacement solutions available. Dr. Maneesha Chigurupati and our team fabricate and place implant crowns with careful attention to fit, function, and aesthetics so every restoration integrates seamlessly into the patient’s smile.

How an Implant Crown Differs From Other Crowns

A traditional dental crown is placed over a natural tooth that has been prepared to receive it. An implant crown, by contrast, attaches to a titanium implant fixture that has been surgically placed in the jawbone. The crown connects to the implant through a component called an abutment, which extends above the gumline and provides the surface the crown attaches to.

Because the implant crown is not connected to adjacent teeth, it can be cleaned exactly like a natural tooth — brushing, flossing, and regular professional maintenance. There are no special hygiene protocols required beyond what would be needed for any natural tooth. This stands in contrast to a dental bridge, which spans the gap between adjacent teeth and requires special flossing tools to clean beneath it.

The Process From Implant Placement to Crown Delivery

Implant crown treatment is a two-phase process. The surgical phase — placement of the implant fixture in the jawbone — is typically performed by an oral surgeon or periodontist. The implant then integrates with the bone over a healing period of three to six months. Once integration is confirmed, the restorative phase begins at our office.

We take impressions or digital scans of the implant site, fabricate a custom abutment and crown in the correct shade and dimensions to match the surrounding teeth, and seat the final restoration at a subsequent appointment. The crown is either screwed or cemented to the abutment depending on the design of the restoration. Our team coordinates directly with the surgical provider throughout the process to ensure a seamless transition from surgery to the final crown.

Implant Crown Materials

Implant crowns are fabricated from the same high-quality ceramic and zirconia materials used for our other crown restorations. Zirconia implant crowns are particularly well-suited for posterior teeth that sustain high bite forces, while lithium disilicate ceramic provides the superior esthetics needed for front teeth. Our team selects the material based on the location, function, and the patient’s specific aesthetic goals.

Patients who are interested in replacing multiple missing teeth with implants may also want to explore implant-supported dentures or the broader options available through a full mouth reconstruction consultation.