Where Families in Green Lake Come to Smile
Implant Crowns Seattle, WA
You’ve made the brave leap toward dental implants. You weathered the surgery, you’ve been patient through healing, and now comes the grand finale, the moment your new tooth gets its finishing touch. That’s where implant crowns come into play, and they’re kind of a big deal. An implant crown is the visible part of your dental implant, the custom-crafted restoration that sits atop the implant post and acts like your natural tooth.
At Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Cherryl Ellison creates implant crowns that blend seamlessly with your smile, restoring both function and confidence. Her Green Lake practice combines cutting-edge restorative techniques with personalized care, ensuring your implant crown looks natural and feels comfortable from day one. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or completing a full-mouth restoration, Dr. Ellison’s expertise in restorative and cosmetic dentistry means you’ll receive an implant crown that exceeds your expectations.
What Makes an Implant Crown Different from a Regular Crown?
While both implant crowns and traditional crowns look similar, they serve different purposes and attach in different ways. A traditional crown caps a damaged natural tooth, relying on that tooth’s root structure for support.
An implant crown, however, attaches directly to a titanium post surgically placed in your jawbone. This distinction matters because it means an implant crown can replace a missing tooth entirely, rather than just covering up a compromised one.
The implant post acts as an artificial root, providing stability that prevents bone loss and maintains your facial structure over time. Research from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry shows that within the first three months of tooth loss, you can lose up to 25% of the bone in that area, making implant crowns a critical component for preserving your jaw structure.
Types of Implant Crowns We Offer
At Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, we tailor implant crowns to match your needs and preferences. Dr. Ellison evaluates factors like your bite, budget, and aesthetic goals before recommending the best material for your specific situation.
Our implant crown options include:
- Porcelain crowns: The gold standard for front teeth, they mimic natural tooth enamel beautifully and reflect light the same way your original teeth did.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: For back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces, these crowns offer extra durability without sacrificing appearance.
- All-ceramic crowns: A metal-free option that works well for patients with metal sensitivities while maintaining excellent aesthetics.
Each material offers distinct advantages, and Dr. Ellison takes the time to explain which option will best serve your long-term oral health and cosmetic goals.
The Implant Crown Process: What to Expect
Getting an implant crown isn’t a same-day affair, but the wait is worth it. After your implant post has integrated with your jawbone (a process called osseointegration that typically takes 3 to 6 months), Dr. Ellison attaches an abutment. This small connector links the implant to your crown.
She then takes detailed impressions of your mouth to ensure your custom crown fits precisely. While your permanent crown is being crafted in a dental lab, you may receive a temporary crown to protect the implant site.
Once your final crown arrives, typically within two to three weeks, Dr. Ellison secures it in place and makes any necessary adjustments to your bite. The entire process requires patience, but the result is a restoration that functions exactly like your natural tooth.
Caring for Your Implant Crown
Good news: caring for an implant crown is remarkably similar to caring for your real teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss around the crown just as you would a regular tooth, and attend your routine dental cleanings.
While implant crowns can’t get cavities, the surrounding gum tissue still needs attention to prevent infection and inflammation. Avoid using your implant crown to crack nuts, chew ice, or open packages, as excessive force can damage even the most durable restoration.
With proper care, your implant crown can last 10 to 15 years or even longer before needing replacement. Regular checkups allow Dr. Ellison to monitor the health of your implant and address any worries before they become serious problems.
Why Choose Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry for Implant Crowns?
Dr. Ellison brings both technical expertise and an artistic eye to every implant crown she creates. As a member of the Spear and Seattle Study Clubs, she stays current with the latest advancements in restorative dentistry.
Her approach focuses on creating restorations that feel natural and look indistinguishable from surrounding teeth. Patients value her attention to detail and her commitment to making the implant crown experience as comfortable as possible in a spa-like atmosphere.
Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or completing a full-mouth restoration, implant crowns represent a permanent solution that restores your smile’s function and beauty. At Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that every smile is unique, and we craft each implant crown to reflect your individual needs and preferences.
Our practice also offers flexible financing options, including Cherry Financing with 0% interest for 24 months, making quality implant crowns accessible to more patients throughout the Seattle area.
Schedule Your Implant Crown Consultation in Seattle
Ready to complete your dental implant journey with a stunning implant crown? Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ellison and discover how an expertly crafted implant crown can transform your smile.
Our Green Lake practice welcomes patients from throughout North Seattle, offering flexible scheduling and comprehensive restorative care in a relaxing environment. You can also learn more about Dr. Ellison and her commitment to providing exceptional dental care that helps you smile with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implant Crowns
What is an implant crown and how is it different from a regular crown?
An implant crown is the visible, tooth-shaped cap that attaches to a dental implant post embedded in your jawbone. A traditional crown, by contrast, is placed over a damaged natural tooth that still has its root intact. Because an implant crown connects to a titanium post rather than a natural root, it is custom-designed to fit the implant abutment precisely and is fabricated to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth in both shape and color.
How long do implant crowns last?
With proper care, an implant crown can last 15 years or longer, and many patients keep them for decades. The crown itself may eventually show wear and need to be replaced, but the implant post beneath it is designed to be permanent. Brushing twice daily, flossing around the crown, and attending regular checkups at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry are the best ways to maximize the lifespan of your restoration.
Does getting an implant crown hurt?
The crown placement appointment itself is generally painless. By this stage of the implant process, your implant post has already fully integrated with your jawbone, so placing the abutment and crown involves minimal discomfort. You may experience mild soreness or pressure around the site for a day or two after the appointment, but most patients find this very manageable. Dr. Ellison will make sure you are comfortable throughout the process.
How long does it take to get an implant crown?
Once your implant post has fully integrated with your jawbone, which typically takes three to six months after surgery, the crown portion moves quickly. Dr. Ellison will take impressions or digital scans at your first crown appointment, and your custom crown is usually fabricated and ready to place within a few weeks. The actual placement appointment is short, typically under an hour.
Does dental insurance cover implant crowns?
Coverage varies by plan. Some dental insurance plans classify implant crowns as a major restorative benefit and cover a percentage of the cost after your deductible, while others exclude implant-related treatment entirely. Our team will verify your benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect. Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry is in-network with Delta Dental, Premera Blue Cross, Cigna, MetLife, and other major PPO plans. Cherry financing is also available for flexible payment options.
Book Your Implant Crown Appointment Today.
Don’t wait for a small issue to become a big problem. Whether you’re due for a checkup or already know something needs attention, we’re here to help—with no pressure and no surprises.
Expertly Reviewed By
Dr. Cherryl Ellison is a general dentist specializing in family and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Ellison earned her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from Indiana University. With years of clinical experience and a passion for providing high-quality dental care, she ensures the information presented is accurate, current, and aligned with modern dental best practices.
