How Are Crowns Attached to Dental Implants?
Missing teeth can mar even the most beautiful smiles. Besides poor dental aesthetics, missing teeth can lead to other oral health issues such as chewing difficulties, indigestion, jaw bone deterioration, etc. Thanks to tooth implants, you can now replace any number of missing teeth.
However, a tooth implant is a root replacement. The titanium rod is usually inserted into the jawbone to replace the missing root. But the tooth implant will not be functional without covering it with dental crowns in Colonia, NJ.
The tooth implant is not complete without being covered with a crown. Crowns cannot replace missing teeth only if a dental implant anchors them. If this is the case, then it is known as an implant-supported crown.
The Parts of an Artificial Tooth
What is known as a tooth implant is a small titanium screw-like rod, usually the size of a root, that is inserted into the jaw bone. This particular feature is what makes dental implants stand out from the other missing teeth replacements.
The artificial tooth replacement may not match up to your natural teeth, but it surely comes close. The artificial tooth replaces the entire tooth; several components are placed to ensure that the tooth is functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The dental implant has three distinct components:
- The dental implant –is the titanium or zirconia rod that is root-sized and is surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the root
- The abutment – is the component that acts as a connector or a link that connects the upper part of the implant to the lower part of the crown
- The tooth replacement – this is the visible part of the artificial tooth and is usually a denture, bridge, or implant-supported crown
The tooth replacement (crown) is attached to the abutment using oral cement or screws. Each method has its benefits, uses, and drawbacks. Let’s check out each method and find out which one is better.
Attaching the Tooth Crown With Dental Cement
Our dentist may choose to attach the crown to the abutment with oral cement. Oral cement is tooth-colored and commonly used to replace front teeth. The purpose of using oral cement on the front teeth is that they are aesthetically pleasing.
When dental cement is used to attach to the front teeth, no discoloration will occur, which is the case with screw-retained crowns.
Drawbacks of Using Oral Cement to Attach a Tooth Crown
Any tooth restoration that is held using oral cement is expected to last for a long time since it is not meant to be removed. The problem is that the crown will need some maintenance at some point. The maintenance would involve detaching the crown, which would be challenging since it is attached to an implant.
Removing it is difficult and would mean that our dentist has to break the crown to remove it. So, you will most likely have to get another crown. So, when you go for this option, remember that maintenance is always a nightmare.
Screw-Retained Dental Crown
On the other hand, you can choose to go for the crowns that are directly screwed onto the abutment. Regarding longevity, ease of repair, and use, screw-retained dental crowns are much better.
Our dentist will have a much easier time during repairs since removing the crown is simply unscrewing it. Another benefit of screw-retained dental crowns is that when your neighboring teeth fall out, our dentist can remove the crown and replace it with one that can anchor the bridge.
Drawbacks of Screw-Retained Crowns
Most people may shun using screw-retained crowns since they can be unsightly, especially if they are used in front teeth. The screw-retained restorations can only be an option where the screw access holes are not conspicuous. These might include the biting surfaces of your back teeth.
We Are Here for You
The option that you will go for will depend on your situation and preferences. But we will offer expert advice so that you can know each of their benefits and drawbacks.
You can contact our dentist at Colonia Dental Associates, LLC, to schedule an appointment.