Dental implants remain one of the preferred options for replacing a lost tooth. Once the implant crown is attached, normal bite functions and a natural-looking smile should be restored. The crown attachment phase is typically the final stage of dental implant restoration, and this article describes the process so you know what to expect.
Dental implants and the implant crown process
Dental implants are oral devices used to replace missing teeth. Each dental implant has three main parts: the post, the abutment, and the crown.
The implant post is a titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts as an artificial tooth root and provides support for the rest of the implant. The abutment is a small connector piece that attaches the implant post to the dental crown. The crown is the visible, tooth-shaped part of the implant that fills the gap left by the missing tooth.
The final implant crown is not usually placed at the beginning of the dental implant process. After the implant post is placed, the jawbone needs time to heal and bond with the implant. This healing period usually takes four to six months. The process of the bone integrating with the implant is called osseointegration.
Once the implant has fully healed and stabilized, the dentist can attach the crown to the abutment. There are two common ways to secure an implant crown. A screw-retained crown is attached with a small screw, while a cement-retained crown is attached with dental cement.
Dental implants are designed to replace both the visible tooth and the tooth root, making them a stable and long-term option for restoring missing teeth.
Screw-retained crowns
Screw-retained dental crowns provide both retention and retrievability, which means they hold abutments and crowns securely while making replacement and repair convenient without causing damage to surrounding components. As a result, it is easier to maintain dental crowns with screws.
A little hole on the top of these crowns serves as a route for the screw to pass through the prosthetic tooth and attach to the abutment. Screw-retained crowns are easy to replace since crowns do need to be changed now and then. These types of dental crowns are not often used for front row teeth, mostly for aesthetic reasons. They are more appropriate for teeth towards the rear of the mouth, where the hole on top is less visible. The screw may loosen over time, but this is easily remedied by visiting the dentist and locking the screw back into place.
Cemented dental crowns
Cemented crowns are bonded to the abutment using unique dental cement. Cemented crowns are more cosmetically appealing, but repair and replacement are often harder. Cemented crowns, unlike screw-retained crowns, cannot be readily dismantled for replacement. When cemented crowns fail, the whole crown must be removed and replaced completely. The sight of crowns with screws may be an issue for many patients. Cemented dental crowns are the preferred choice for the front row teeth.
The bottom line
Since dental crowns are the only visible component of the implant, they are more likely to need replacement than the abutment or titanium post. The implant, on the other hand, may last a lifetime if properly maintained.
Request an appointment here: http://www.thedentalplaceoftamarac.com or call The Dental Place of Tamarac at (954) 271-8072 for an appointment in our Tamarac office.
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We are committed to providing quality dental care to families in the Tamarac area and treat patients of all ages.
Are dental implants permanent?
Yes. Dental implants are considered a permanent tooth replacement option because they are placed in the jawbone and function similarly to natural tooth roots.
What are dental implants used for?
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, restore chewing function, improve speech, support jawbone health, and enhance smile appearance.
Do dental implants feel natural?
Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth once the final restoration is placed.
The Dental Place of Tamarac
7300 W McNab Rd Ste 115Tamarac, FL 33321
Phone: (954) 271-8072
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