PRESERVE YOUR TEETH IN NEW YORK CITY
What Is the Difference Between Implant Restorations?
Your dentist has recommended a dental implant restoration, such as a crown or bridge. However, it is important to understand which type of restoration you will receive.
When replacing a single tooth, there are two primary types of implant crowns:
- Cement-Retained Implant Crown
- Screw-Retained Implant Crown
What Is the Difference Between These Implant Restorations?
The primary differences involve longevity, maintenance, and repairability.
A cement-retained implant crown can be difficult to retrieve after it has been permanently cemented into place. This may make future repairs more complicated.
The dental cement used to attach the crown to the implant abutment can also introduce potential complications. Excess cement left beneath the gumline may contribute to inflammation and infection around the implant.
Studies have reported a notable prevalence of peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and bone surrounding a dental implant. Reported rates vary considerably depending on the population studied and the criteria used to diagnose the condition.
Excess dental cement has been associated with peri-implant disease and may contribute to implant complications or failure. Cement-related inflammation can be difficult to detect and may not develop until long after the restoration has been placed.
Even when every effort is made to remove excess cement, some risk may remain with a cement-retained crown. Patients should discuss the restoration with their dentist to understand which option is being recommended and how the crown will be attached to the implant.
Why We Use Screw-Retained Implant Crowns
At Preserve Your Teeth Dentistry®, we use screw-retained implant crowns whenever clinically appropriate.
With this type of restoration, no dental cement is required. The crown connects to the implant with a precisely fitted retaining screw. The screw-access opening is then sealed with a small tooth-colored filling.
If the implant crown ever requires maintenance, the filling can be removed to access the screw. The screw can then be tightened or replaced, and the crown may be removed without unnecessary damage.
This approach is generally more repairable than a cement-retained implant crown, which may need to be damaged or cut apart while attempting to access the underlying screw.
