Imagine you're getting a crown for a dental implant. Think of it as a cap that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth..
The crown can be secured to the implant in one of two ways; with cement or with a special screw. Each method has its pros and cons, and at Norfolk County Dental Care, we will explore them with you to make the most appropriate recommendation.
Cement-Retained Implant Crowns
Pros
- Blends seamlessly with your smile because there’s no screw hole on top.
- Easier and more efficient to place on the tooth
- Fits snugly for a more natural feel.
- Costs about the same as a crown for natural teeth.
- Fewer visits to the dentist for maintenance.
Cons
- Difficult to remove excess cement that can irritate your gums and cause problems.
- The implant needs to be the right size and shape for the crown to adhere.
- More difficult to remove or repair the crown if necessary
Screw-Retained Implant Crowns
Pros
- Easier to clean, maintain, and replace if needed.
- No worries about excess dental cement.
- Work well in areas where cementing the crown is a challenge due to position.
- New techniques may be used to hide the screw hole for improved aesthetics.
Cons
- Reaching certain areas of the mouth to tighten the screws can be challenging.
- Screw-retained implants require more maintenance, such as tightening.
- The screw part of the implant can sometimes be the weakest point.
Which Is Right for You: Cement- or Screw-Retained Implant Crowns?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the right choice depends on your unique dental situation. Your dentists at Norfolk County Dental Care will consider the location of your implant, your gum health, and smile aesthetics.
If you are considering an implant to replace a missing tooth and need more information, please call our Norfolk, MA, dental office to schedule an appointment.