In short: Implant crowns can be cemented or screw-retained. Compare looks, repairs and upkeep to see which type suits your implant.
What are the components of dental implant crown restorations?
Implant-supported restorations are made up of three major components:
- Dental implant: The screw placed in the jaw that holds the restoration, which may be a crown or bridge.
- Implant abutment: The connector that joins the implant to the implant crown or fixed implant bridge.
- Restoration: Either the crown or a portion of the bridge that completes the implant and resembles a tooth.
What are Implant-Supported Bridges and Dental Implant Crowns?
Implant crowns and bridges are supported by implants that are placed in your mouth to replace missing teeth. The implant resembles a screw. We position it in your jaw for maximum support, and the implant anchors a dental crown.
Patients that need several tooth replacements can be eligible for implant-supported bridges. Depending on its length, the bridge can accommodate three to ten teeth.
When a patient is missing all of his or her teeth, they might require a full-mouth restoration. Implant-supported dentures may be used for the replacement of missing teeth. Our implants appear entirely natural, and no one would believe they are not your own teeth.
What are the Types of Dental Implant Crowns?
There are two types of dental implant crowns available. Both are beneficial to patients.
Screw-retained implant crown
This is the first kind. A screw connects the dental implant crown to the abutment through a small access hole. The dentist uses a matching bonding material to seal the hole.
The most significant advantage of a screw-retained implant crown or implant bridge is that if an implant abutment becomes loose, the dentist may remove the implant crown or bridge without causing any harm. Dentists often prefer screw-retained implant bridges where multiple teeth are being replaced.
Implant crowns with cement retention
Cement-retained implant crowns have the same components as screw-retained implant crowns. They are distinguished by the use of cement to attach the crown to the implant abutment. This form of the crown has no access hole. Dentists can have trouble removing a loose crown and may need to drill a hole in it.
Dentists often avoid cement-retained implant crowns when a patient requires a sizeable restorative dentistry bridge.
What are the Pros and Cons of the Different Types?
In dental implantology, cementation is a widely used form of restoration. Advantages include coverage for poorly inclined implants, a smoother passive fit due to the cement layer between the abutment and the restoration, the absence of a screw access opening, resulting in an intact biting surface, and easier occlusion control. However, one significant drawback is the difficulty of clearing excess cement with cement-retained implants. Excess cement is linked to the development of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.
Screw-retained restorations, on the other hand, provide more predictable retrievability. They need less space between the arches and are easier to remove for cleaning or any necessary repairs. Furthermore, angulated screw channel solutions have made screw-retained restorations feasible for the restoration of complex cases too.
When is a screw-retained dental implant recommended?
A screw-retained dental implant is recommended in the following situations:
- There is a limited amount of space between the arches (interarch), a minimum of 4 mm.
- In the case of cantilever-style fixed prostheses.
- For fixed prostheses that need to last a long time.
- For temporary restorations in the esthetic zone, to enable soft tissue conditioning and finalize the emergence and mucosal profile.
- When it is essential to be able to retrieve a component.
Looking for the best dental implant crowns in Lakeland, TN? Dr. Adatrow can help!
If you have any further questions about oral health, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Adatrow. Dr. Adatrow has more than 30 years of experience in placing dental implants, with a success rate of over 97%, and can provide you with the best possible dental treatment. He is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist and Periodontist in Hernando, MS region. Please get in touch with our office for your consultation now!
Implant crowns: talk to a specialist
Every mouth is different, so the right answer on implant crowns depends on your teeth, gums and health history. Our board-certified specialists in Southaven, MS, near Memphis, can examine you, explain your options and give you a clear written plan. Call (662) 655-4868 or book a consultation.