Though nobody expects to lose one or more teeth, tooth loss, unfortunately, happens to many people. The good news is that a dental implant and crown can replace the teeth you lose, but how is a crown attached to a dental implant?
If you’re looking for a family dentist in New Orleans specializing in dental implants, turn to Dental Arts of New Orleans. We take a holistic approach to dental care to deliver quality services in a calming environment, and we understand the importance of dental implant restoration for missing teeth. Below, we explain how dental implants work with crowns to create stunning smiles.
What To Know About the Crown Attachment Process for Dental Implants
Losing one or two teeth might not seem like a major problem, but having a whole row of teeth contributes to a healthy smile.
When a tooth is missing, the neighboring teeth will eventually drift into the missing space. Missing spaces without teeth exhibit no jawbone growth. Getting implant-supported crowns is a popular restorative dentistry service because it addresses both issues.
A dental implant is a tiny rod that a dentist or oral surgeon surgically implants into the jaw. The rod fuses to the jawbone, leaving a small attachment or abutment sticking above the gum line. The abutment is what connects the dental implant to the dental crown, which is the replacement tooth.
So, how is a crown attached to a dental implant? Continue reading to learn the options as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Attaching a Crown to an Implant Using Dental Cement
One way dentists attach a dental crown to an implant is with special dental cement. In most cases regarding front-facing dental crowns, cement is the best material to fuse the dental implant’s abutment to the custom crown.
The risk of crown discoloration is minimal, which is why it’s suitable for dental implant crown placement at the front of the mouth. Though the cement will permanently bond the crown to the implant, this can be a problem if the crown needs to be replaced in the future. Usually, removing the crown involves breaking it apart and replacing it.
Using a Screw-Retained Crown for a Dental Implant
An alternative to crowns with dental cement is screw-retained crowns. Instead of relying on cement to keep it in place, the crown can have threading that allows it to screw into the implant’s abutment.
Screw-retained crowns are still a permanent tooth replacement option because you won’t need to remove them to eat, drink, or practice dental hygiene. However, these screws aren’t as esthetic as crowns that use cement to bond replacement teeth onto dental implants. As such, this type of crown is most suitable for replacing teeth at the back of the mouth.
How is a crown attached to a dental implant via screws beneficial? They’re easier and safer to use for same-day crown procedures, and removing them for repair or replacement is relatively straightforward. These kinds of crowns can also support a dental bridge if another tooth nearby is removed.
Caring for Your Dental Implant
Whether you opt for dental cement or screw-retained crowns for your dental implants, maintaining your oral hygiene is crucial. To care for your implants, treat the dental crown material like your natural teeth. Continue brushing and flossing daily and attend routine dental checkups and teeth cleaning appointments.
Turn to New Orleans’ Top Dental Professionals To Restore Your Smile
Now that you know the answer to exactly how a crown is attached to a dental implant, turn to our team at Dental Arts of New Orleans for reliable family dentistry and orthodontic services. If you want to restore missing teeth, we can help with everything from creating a natural-looking replacement tooth with a time-tested dental crown procedure to educating you on the dental implant healing process.
Our experienced, long-standing practice with board-certified dental professionals always provides personalized dental services to promote beautiful, healthy smiles. Contact Dental Arts of New Orleans today at (504) 394-5330 for a consultation.
