Are you curious about how dental implants work? Well, you’re not alone!
A dental implant is a small, sturdy post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Essentially, it’s a high-tech replacement tooth that’s designed to last a lifetime.
But what do you do after the implant is in place? That’s where the dental crown comes in! A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed on top of the implant to mimic the look and feel of a natural tooth.
So, how is a dental crown attached to an implant? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating process of crown attachment and how it plays a crucial role in restoring your smile’s function and aesthetics.
The Implant Placement Process
Attaching a crown to a dental implant is one of the final steps in the implant placement process and is an important step in restoring the implant to its full function and aesthetics. Let’s say it’s the last lick of paint in a newly renovated home. But before we get to the crown, the foundations need to be set, and the walls need to be built.
Let’s take a look at the rest of the process:
The First Stage
The first stage of implant placement is surgically placing the implant into the jawbone. This involves making a small hole in the jawbone and inserting the implant.
The implant is then secured in place during a process that takes about an hour, during which you’re usually under local anesthetic.
The Second Stage
The second stage is when the dental implant fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This process takes several weeks and involves the jawbone growing around the implant as it heals and secures the implant in place.
The Third Stage
The third stage of the implant placement involves attaching an abutment to the implant. This abutment is a small metal post that connects the implant to the crown. The abutment is placed on top of the implant, and a crown is attached. This crown is what will be visible when you smile.
Preparing for the Crown Attachment
Your doctor will take digital impressions of your teeth so you can get a custom crown to fit your implants perfectly.
The impressions, combined with 3D technology, allow your dentist to create a 3D model of your mouth that’s used to fabricate a crown that closely matches the shape and size of your implant. This ensures that the crown offers a secure, snug fit that looks great.
We then use a shade-matching process to ensure that your new crown matches the color of your natural teeth. This process is done by comparing the color of your teeth and the crown to a shade guide. This allows us to select the right shade to give you the most natural-looking result.
Bite registration also helps to ensure that the crown is secure and will not move or shift out of place when the patient is eating or speaking. The process involves placing the crown on the implant and having the patient bite down.
The Crown Attachment Process
When a patient receives a dental implant, the dentist will take impressions of the patient’s mouth, which will be used to create a customized crown. Our in-house dental lab then creates the crown using the impressions to ensure that it fits the patient’s mouth perfectly. Depending on the patient’s preference, the crown is created from porcelain, zirconia, or ceramic.
Once the crown is ready, the dentist will fit the crown into the implant and check for proper fit and comfort. The dentist will ensure the crown is the right size and shape and fits securely in the patient’s mouth. The dentist will also check to ensure the crown doesn’t interfere with the patient’s bite and looks natural.
Once the dentist is satisfied with the fit and comfort of the crown, they will use dental cement to attach the crown to the abutment securely. The dental cement is a strong adhesive that will ensure the crown is firmly attached to the implant and won’t come loose over time.
The dentist will also check the crown again to ensure it looks natural and the patient is satisfied with the results.
Aftercare
Oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your implant and crown. Proper brushing and flossing are important for controlling bacteria and plaque build-up, which can contribute to gum disease and infection.
Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to assess the condition of your implant and crown and ensure no signs of damage. So make sure you schedule them!
Dental implants can be vulnerable to complications like infection, bone loss, and nerve damage. It is important to be aware of the associated risks; regular dentist visits will help catch unwanted infections and other complications early.
You can also use the opportunity to ask your dentist for advice and recommendations on how to care for your implant and crown and help to prevent any potential complications.
FAQs
How is the crown screwed onto the dental implant?
A special tool is used to screw the crown onto the dental implant. This process is quick and painless.
Does attaching the crown to the implant hurt?
No, attaching the crown to the implant does not hurt. Our experienced team of professionals uses the latest tools and techniques to ensure the procedure is done correctly and with minimal discomfort.
How long does it take to put a crown on an implant?
Putting a crown on an implant typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the case’s complexity.
Can you put a crown on a dental implant?
Yes, you can put a crown on a dental implant. Our facility uses the latest technology to securely attach the crown to the implant to ensure a strong and lasting restoration.
Attaching a crown to a dental implant at Hanna Dental
Attaching a crown to a dental implant is a simple procedure but requires the expertise of an experienced dental professional to get it perfect.
At Hanna Dental Implant Center, our double board-certified specialist has over 15 years of experience and provides same-day solutions to all implant-related procedures.
If you’re looking for a reliable dental facility with cutting-edge aesthetic and dental implant services, look no further. Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help you safely attach a crown to a dental implant.