How an Implant Crown Is Attached

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 for replacing lost teeth. The post, the abutment, and the crown are the three components of an implant. The post is a titanium screw surgically implanted into the jawbone and serves as the new prosthetic tooth root that holds the crown and abutment in place. The abutment, which joins the implant post to the crown, is a little peg-like support component. Finally, the dental crown is the tooth-shaped part of the implant used to cover the gap left by the missing tooth.

It is also worth noting that the final implant crown will not be attached at the beginning of the implant process. To ensure the implant post provides maximal support, a four to six-month healing time is necessary. The bone heals and integrates with the implant (a process called osseointegration).

To connect an implant crown to the abutment, the dentist has two options: Use a tiny screw (called screw-retained dental crowns) or use dental cement (called cemented crowns).

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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