How Do Dental Crowns Attach to the Dental Implant?

If you are considering dental implants, implant crowns are likely on your mind. Most prospective customers are intrigued by the design and innovation behind this dental advancement. Implant crowns are either screwed in or cemented. The dental implant serves as the replacement for the tooth-root. The implants are meant to replace teeth. The implant crown is connected to the dental implant.

This crown is the only portion people see when you have your mouth open as you chew, talk, laugh and perform other social activities. The dental implant is positioned in a surgical procedure so it is firmly secured within the jaw bone. It then fuses in a process referred to as osseointegration.

The Attachment of the Crowns

Attaching a crown to an implant is fairly simple. During the first step, we connect the dental crown to the implant with the assistance of screws. It is crucial to carefully position the implant so the dental crowns can connect with ease. The crowns must emerge on through the gum tissues while pointing in the proper direction. The adjacent support structure, known as the abutment, typically facilitates this transition and attachment.

It is best to think of implant pieces as small versions of legos that can disassemble with ease. By using the screws, it is much easier to maintain and adjust dental implants on a regular basis. Dental implants and crowns permit superior retention. This means that they keep abutments and implant crowns where they should be without causing damage to the restoration or the implant itself.

A Brief Look at the Typical Crown Lifespan

Though a dental implant that is successfully placed and cared for has the potential to last a lifetime, the typical crown does not. It might be necessary to replace or repair the crown as time progresses. Replacing or repairing the crown will be easier if we can connect the crown with screws instead of using dental cement.

Your Dental Implants Start With an Initial Consultation

Patients who are leaning toward dental implants can get the ball rolling with an initial consultation. This meeting will let our dentist perform a thorough exam of the patient's teeth and gums. We will analyze the patient's dental and medical history before taking X-rays of the teeth. We will then take impressions of the patient's teeth and gums for modeling.

The appointment might also involve a computed tomography (CT) scan to assist the dentist in gauging if adequate jawbone is available to secure the implants. The CT scan will also pinpoint structures like nerves and sinuses so we can avoid them during procedures. If the X-ray shows that the patient lacks the necessary jaw bone structure for implants, we can discuss possibilities to build up the bone. Possible solutions include bone grafting. These procedures typically take 4-12 months to prepare the bone for the implant.

Contact Us Today

If you are considering a dental implant, crown, bridge or any other oral health solution, reach out to us today. Schedule an appointment so we can tell you more about our dental services and how we can make your mouth that much healthier.