Dental Implant Crown
You may be considering a dental implant, but don’t know much about what is involved in the implant procedure. Before committing to the dental implant treatment, it helps to get an idea of what you are getting into. Getting a dental implant involves a multiple step process with the placement of multiple parts. Below is more information about dental implants and an explanation of the how the dental implant crown is placed.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a dental device that is designed to replace a missing tooth. The implant includes a metal post that is surgically inserted into the gums where the root of tooth would be. Once the post has been placed and the gums are healed, an artificial crown is attached to the top of the post. Implants differ from other tooth replacement alternatives because they offer the same stability and structure of a real tooth. After the dental implant procedure is complete it is difficult to tell the new artificial tooth from the original natural teeth.
The Implant Crown
The implant crown is the visible part of the dental implant that provides both the appearance and function of a natural tooth. Prior to starting your implant treatment process, your dentist will discuss with you the number of options you have when selecting an implant crown. Not only will you be able to choose material, but you can choose between removable, fixed or hybrid crowns. A removable crown prosthetic is similar to a regular removable denture and can be full or partial. Often this type of prosthetic fastens to a metal platform on the implant. The benefits of the removable crown are that it can be easily removed for repair or routine cleaning. A fixed dental crown is permanently secured onto the implant and is not removable for any reason. This type of crown is either screwed or cemented to the implant for stability. Implant crowns can be made from a variety of materials such as porcelain or ceramic. Your dentist will help you select a crown that matches your teeth and meets your needs.
The Crown Placement
Attaching the implant crown is the final phase of the implant procedure. Often a temporary crown is placed immediately after the abutment is attached. This temporary crown is usually used only for approximately four to six weeks. The temporary crown will protect the implant from damage caused by chewing, while you wait for the permanent crown to be made. For a dental lab to make the permanent crown, the dentist will take impressions of the abutment once it is placed. The dentist will order the permanent crown, using the impressions to ensure the perfect fit and size of the new crown. Once the permanent crown has been made, it will be time for its final placement in a simple procedure. The crown will be cemented or screwed into the abutment on top of the implant post. After the crown has been placed, minor adjustments may need to be made to the crown’s shape. This is common and an easy fix to make sure the new tooth aligns correctly with the opposing teeth.