What is the best way to attach crowns on Dental Implants?
Very often we are asked from patients that already have an implant, ‘Should I get a crown on my dental implant and if so, what type’?
So to answer that simply – well there is no simple answer. Because there are different materials available now and a few different ways that we can attach a crown to an implant, each patient’s set of circumstances are unique unto them. Also, some crowns may need to be cemented onto the implant while others need to be screwed.
Crowns are available in different shapes and sizes
These are the visible portion or section of the tooth which don’t always need cement, and still allows for easy removal for repair or replacement if the crown becomes damaged or worn. The state of your mouth, the type of implant you’re getting and other circumstances will all factor into determining which method is best for you.
So the question is…
How can a crown be removed from dental implants?
To start with the composite or other filling material in the screw canal needs to be removed and drilled out giving your specialist or dentist access to the screw that holds the crown in place.
However, if the crown is cemented using permanent cement, then the crown needs to be cut off to get access to the screw hole. In most cases, it is unknown which direction the screw canal points. In this instance, X-rays are not very helpful as they only show a 2D picture but more detail is needed.
Sometimes a crown is cemented using temporary cement, and it is then that the crown just needs to be pulled off. In most cases, this will not damage the crown. The downside is that the crown might get loose over time and require to be re-cemented.
What’s the advantage of a crown screwed onto implants?
There are two key advantages to having crowns screwed to the implants.
- By having the screw canal filled with composite or other filling material this allows for easy removal or replacement of the crown if it becomes damaged or worn without destruction of the crown.
- Cemented crowns give a much better aesthetics because no screw holes need to be covered.
What are the crowns made of?
Crowns on implants are made of the same material as crowns on natural teeth consisting of ceramic, resin and metal.
Ceramic Crowns
We have full ceramic crowns made of different ceramics with different strength and used for repairing front teeth giving a natural colour blend to your tooth. Ask your specialist about the different ceramic suitable for you.
Resin Crowns
When a temporary crown is needed you can have a temporary acrylic resin making it easier to work with, before fitting a permanent crown.
Metal Crowns
The metal-based veneered crowns have a metal cap that is layered with ceramic or porcelain covering the metal. Sometimes though, we still see full metal crowns polished and silver or gold shining. Most people would only use metal crowns on the back teeth so it cannot be seen.
In today’s dentistry, the crown screwed onto the implant is the preferred treatment option.
This is where SEQ Dental Specialist can help.
If you would like to know more please give us a call 07 3221 0443 or Contact Us and we will arrange a consultation at your convenience. Dr. Florian Mack looks forward to having the opportunity to speak with you in either practice in Brisbane City, Southport or Toowoomba.