Your dentist has just informed about a dental implant restoration, such as crown or bridge. However, it’s important to know what type you are getting. In single unit case, where only one tooth is replaced, there are two types of implant crown restorations:
- Cementable Implant Crown
- Screw-retained Implant Crown
Is There a Difference Between One Type of Dental Implant Restoration and Others?
Yes, the major difference is the longevity and repairability of the dental implant restoration.
Dentists cannot easily retrieve a cementable implant crown, meaning that it not simple to repair after it is cemented in place. This is because the cement used to connect the implant crown to the implant abutment introduces a major complication.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that the frequency of peri-implantitis or infection around the implant is as high as 18.8% in the United States. The occurrence of peri-implantitis in Europe is even higher, around 50%.
The dental cement used during cementation phase is strongly related to peri-implant disease, leading to implant failure. Cement-related infection of a dental implant is hard to detect and this infection can also develop much later.
The risk of infection still persists after a cementable crown is chosen and every step is taken to remove the excess dental cement. The best method is to have a conversation with your dentist. A professional is able to help you determine which implant is right for you and how is the implant crown restored.
At Preserve Your Teeth Dentistry®, we use a screw-retained type of an implant crown in all of the cases. There is no cement present. The retention of the crown is a very precise fit and connects with a connecting screw. Screw access is then closed with a small filling.
If anything happens to the implant crown, access is opened, and the screw is tightened or replaced. This method is preferable to a cementable type of implant crown, which can be damaged in the process of “trying to find” the access to the screw.
