Prosthetics on implants in Kyiv

Yes, the metal abutment can sometimes be visible through a ceramic crown. This is due to the semi-translucent nature of the ceramic and the darker colour of the metal. In the smile zone, this may have an undesirable aesthetic effect. To avoid this, at DENTART we use either zirconia or hybrid (combined) abutments for implant-supported restorations in the anterior region. Hybrid abutments have a titanium base with a ceramic or zirconia upper part, which eliminates the risk of metal shine-through.

For a front tooth, there are two “gold standard” aesthetic options: an all-ceramic pressed crown (E-max), and a zirconia crown with ceramic veneering. A crown made entirely of zirconia is not ideal for the smile zone, as it does not provide the same level of translucency as natural enamel. Which type of crown will be the best solution for your anterior tooth can be determined after an in-person consultation with a DENTART prosthodontist.

For restoring posterior teeth and ensuring full chewing function, zirconia crowns on implants are recommended. Zirconia is 100% biocompatible and does not cause allergic reactions (unlike metal-ceramic restorations). It offers the highest strength and durability, with a service life of over 20 years. Zirconium dioxide easily tolerates intensive chewing loads, can be used even in patients with bruxism, and maintains its original appearance throughout its service life.

In terms of appearance, materials and function, crowns on implants are essentially the same as crowns supported by natural teeth. The key difference lies in the method of attachment. To place a crown on a natural tooth, the tooth must be prepared — this may include therapeutic treatment (if needed) and reduction of the tooth structure (tooth preparation). To attach a crown to an implant, a special connector called an abutment is used. It acts as an intermediate element between the titanium implant and the prosthetic restoration.

Yes, this combination can be used to restore one or several missing teeth, and it is technically acceptable. However, from a practical standpoint, it is not the most balanced solution. When a premium implant system is used (and Nobel Biocare belongs to the high-end segment), it is more reasonable to choose advanced prosthetic options as well — specifically, zirconia crowns. Compared to metal-ceramic restorations, they provide superior aesthetics, strength and longevity.

From an aesthetic point of view, ceramic abutments are preferable under E-max crowns. A titanium abutment may show through the ceramic, causing the restoration to look different from the neighbouring natural teeth. To avoid these risks, we recommend ceramic, zirconia or hybrid abutments. A hybrid abutment consists of a titanium base and an outer layer of zirconia or ceramic.

The service life of an implant-supported crown depends primarily on the material: modern all-ceramic crowns generally last 10–15 years; zirconia crowns can last 20–25 years; metal-ceramic crowns usually serve for around 10 years.

Yes. If the crown is damaged or has reached the end of its service life, only the prosthetic restoration needs to be replaced. The titanium implant itself usually remains unchanged, so repeat implant surgery is not required. However, before placing a new crown, our DENTART doctor will always check the condition of the implant and surrounding tissues.

The crowns themselves are similar in price. However, treatment with implants is typically more expensive because it includes the implant surgery. This is a complex surgical stage involving the placement of an artificial tooth root — a biocompatible titanium implant. In addition, tooth extraction or bone grafting may be required before implant placement. Another cost factor is the abutment, which is always used in implant-supported prosthetics as a connector between the implant and the crown.

A standard abutment is a prefabricated, mass-produced component available in a limited range of shapes and sizes. It does not always take into account the individual anatomy of a patient’s gums and bone. A custom abutment is designed and manufactured specifically for an individual case. It is tailored 100% to the patient’s anatomical features and provides an optimal fit and emergence profile.

Yes, the abutment can be removed while leaving the implant in place. It is a separate component typically attached with a screw, which the dentist can unscrew using special instruments. This design feature allows the selection or replacement of an abutment that better matches the patient’s bone and soft-tissue anatomy and provides the desired angulation.

To place a three-unit bridge restoring three missing teeth, two implants are required. In this case, the titanium implants serve as supports at each end of the bridge.

This type of prosthetic solution is considered a compromise, suboptimal and often quite risky. When a bridge is supported by both an implant (or implants) and natural teeth, the load is distributed unevenly. This increases the risk of damage to the bridge and to the supporting natural teeth. In cases of root fractures or other serious problems, such teeth may eventually need to be extracted.

An implant-supported bridge can generally last more than 10–15 years. For example, zirconia bridges have very high strength and may serve for over 20 years. The timing of replacement depends on the material used and the clinical condition in each individual case. Adhering to our dentists’ recommendations and maintaining good oral hygiene are key factors for prolonging the lifespan of the bridge.

A temporary crown on an implant is placed primarily for aesthetic reasons, so that the absence of a tooth is not visible. It also protects the gums and helps to shape a natural contour around the future restoration. Temporary crowns are usually worn for 2 to 6 months — this corresponds to the typical period of implant osseointegration.

As a rule, temporary crowns are not intended to be used for more than 6 months. This is approximately how long it takes for the implant to integrate with the bone, after which the final prosthetic restoration can be placed. If, for any reason, it is not possible to complete implant prosthetics within 6 months, we at DENTART usually replace a worn temporary crown with a new one of the same type.