Dental Implants
Implant Crown in Darwin — The Final Step of Your Implant
The implant crown is the visible tooth that sits on top of your dental implant — custom-made in porcelain or zirconia to match your natural teeth. Fitted at Compass Dental Care in Parap using digital scanning technology.
What Is an Implant Crown?
An implant crown is the visible tooth portion of a dental implant. While the titanium implant post sits inside the jaw bone (acting as an artificial root) and the abutment connects the two, the crown is the part that sits above the gum line — the tooth you see when you smile and use when you chew.
Each implant crown is custom-made by a dental laboratory to match your surrounding teeth in colour, shape, and size. The goal is a restoration that is indistinguishable from a natural tooth — both in appearance and function.
The implant crown is typically the last step in the implant process, fitted after the implant post has fully integrated with the jaw bone (a process that takes three to six months). Some patients come to us specifically for the crown stage, having had their implant placed elsewhere.
Crown Materials
Porcelain
Porcelain crowns (including porcelain-fused-to-zirconia) offer excellent aesthetics with a natural translucency that closely mimics tooth enamel. They are well-suited for front teeth where appearance is the primary concern. Porcelain can be layered and shade-matched with great precision to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Zirconia
Full zirconia crowns are extremely strong and highly resistant to chipping and fracture. They are an excellent choice for back teeth where bite forces are greatest. Modern zirconia also offers good aesthetics — multilayer zirconia provides a natural colour gradient from the base to the biting edge. Zirconia crowns tend to be more durable than porcelain over the long term.
Dr Pham will recommend the most appropriate material based on the position of your implant, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences. We provide a written estimate before proceeding so you can make an informed decision.
How the Crown Attaches to the Implant
Screw-Retained
The crown is attached to the abutment with a small screw, and the access hole on top is covered with composite filling material. The advantage of screw-retained crowns is that Dr Pham can remove the crown for maintenance, cleaning, or repair without damaging it — simply by unscrewing it. This makes long-term management straightforward.
Cement-Retained
The crown is bonded onto the abutment with dental cement, similar to how a regular crown is cemented onto a natural tooth. This avoids the screw access hole, giving a slightly cleaner appearance on the biting surface. However, removing a cemented crown is more difficult and may require cutting it off. The choice depends on the clinical situation and implant position.
The Fitting Process
Digital scan: Once the implant has fully integrated with the jaw bone, Dr Pham takes a digital scan of the implant position and surrounding teeth. This replaces traditional messy impressions with a quick, comfortable scan that produces a highly accurate 3D model for the dental laboratory.
Laboratory fabrication: The dental laboratory uses the digital scan to fabricate your custom crown — matching the shade, shape, and contour of your natural teeth. This typically takes two to three weeks. A temporary crown may be worn during this period if needed.
Fitting appointment: At the fitting appointment, the abutment is placed (if not already in position) and the crown is attached. Dr Pham checks the bite, the contact with adjacent teeth, and the overall aesthetics. Any minor adjustments are made chairside. You leave with a complete, functional tooth.
Caring for Your Implant Crown
An implant crown is cared for in much the same way as a natural tooth. Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush, paying particular attention to the gum line around the implant. Floss daily — regular floss or an interdental brush works well around implant crowns. Some patients find a water flosser helpful for cleaning around the implant.
Regular check-ups at Compass Dental Care are important to monitor the health of the implant and the condition of the crown. Dr Pham will check for any signs of gum inflammation around the implant (peri-implant mucositis), assess the crown for wear or damage, and ensure the bite remains balanced.
While implant crowns are durable, they are not indestructible. Avoid using your implant crown to open packaging, crack nuts, or chew ice. If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard can protect both your implant crown and your natural teeth from excessive wear. We serve patients from across Darwin, including Stuart Park, Fannie Bay, Larrakeyah, The Gardens, Woolner, and Palmerston.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an implant crown last?
An implant crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years before it may need replacement due to normal wear. Some last longer with good care. The underlying implant itself can last a lifetime. Factors affecting longevity include the material used, your bite forces, and oral hygiene. Regular check-ups at Compass Dental Care allow Dr Pham to monitor the crown's condition.
Porcelain vs zirconia — which is better for implant crowns?
Both produce excellent results. Porcelain offers natural translucency and is often preferred for front teeth. Full zirconia is stronger and more chip-resistant, making it well-suited for back teeth. Dr Pham will recommend the most appropriate material based on the position of your implant and your individual needs at our Parap clinic.
Can an implant crown be whitened?
No, implant crowns do not respond to whitening treatments. The colour is set at fabrication and does not change. If you are considering teeth whitening, whiten your natural teeth first and then have the implant crown made to match the lighter shade. Dr Pham can coordinate this at Compass Dental Care in Parap.
What if my implant crown cracks or chips?
Small chips can sometimes be polished or repaired with composite resin. Larger cracks usually require the crown to be replaced. The implant post underneath is almost never affected — only the crown needs remaking. Contact Compass Dental Care on (08) 8995 9530 if your implant crown is damaged.
How is an implant crown different from a regular dental crown?
A regular crown fits over a prepared natural tooth. An implant crown attaches to an abutment screwed into the implant post in the jaw bone — there is no natural tooth underneath. The crown looks and functions similarly, but the attachment mechanism is different. Implant crowns are custom-fabricated from a digital scan taken at our Parap clinic.
Related Services
Ready for Your Implant Crown?
Complete your implant journey at Compass Dental Care, Parap Darwin. Digital scanning for precise crown fabrication. Free on-site parking.
