Today no one is surprised by the phenomenon of dental implantation. The method of restoring lost functions is rightfully in great demand among patients. However, before the operation, it is necessary to consult with a specialist. After all, you need to discuss all the points, starting with how the preparation will take place, and ending with a discussion of which crown will be installed on the implant. All this information will allow the patient to feel more comfortable during the procedure and plan their costs in advance.
Types of crowns for implants
The first design that is made for an implant is a temporary crown. It is designed to fill the void in the dentition for the period during which the permanent prosthesis is made.
After the artificial root has taken root sufficiently, the specialist installs a permanent crown. In modern clinics, ceramics are usually used. Suchprostheses are made in several versions. These can be metal-ceramic and non-metal crowns.
Often used for manufacturing and zirconium alloy. All these designs have their own characteristics, pros, cons and cost. In order to know which crown to install on the implant, we will consider them by type.
Temporary construction
What function does the prosthesis in question have, besides aesthetics? As we have already said, temporary crowns on implants are placed for the period while the permanent structure is being made. Of course, the aesthetic moment is very important. In addition, during this time, the formation of the gum edge after the operation is carried out. When the void in the jaw arch is filled, there is no displacement of neighboring units and malocclusion. Another plus is the uniform load on the entire chewing apparatus. The cost of temporary crowns is low. Therefore, they are always used at a certain stage of implantation.
Metal-ceramic crown on implant
The most common and sought after prosthesis. It is characterized by good appearance and durability. Also, cermets have proven themselves well in accordance with price and quality. This type of construction is practically no different from the prosthesis, which covers the turned tooth. The only difference is in the fixation method. Such crowns are placed only on metal abutments. What is it?
Abutment is a device screwed into the implant. It replaces the lost supragingival part of the tooth. And after itinstallation, the orthopedist makes an impression for the subsequent manufacture of the crown. In conclusion, the specialist invites the patient to try on and fix the prosthesis.
Ceramic crown for implant
Old technologies are being replaced by new methods of making prostheses. Porcelain crowns are made from pressed ceramics. We are accustomed to the fact that this material is characterized by fragility. To some extent, this is true. Therefore, it is used only for prosthetics of the frontal part of the teeth.
Also, an alloy of zirconium dioxide and aluminum is used to make crowns. Designs are durable and incredibly similar to real teeth. But they are also priced accordingly. But in this case, the costs will be fully justified. With proper care for such crowns, they can serve the patient up to 20 years.
Features of installing a crown on an implant
The whole construction will consist of several parts.
1. Implant.
2. Abutment.
3. Crown.
During the classical procedure, after implantation of the artificial root, the specialist screws the abutment into it. This detail replaces the turned stump of the tooth. This adapter is made either from metal or from ceramics. A crown is placed over the abutment.
There are also basal implants. They are used for a one-time procedure for restoring a lost unit of dentition. Such an implant already has a supragingival part. So after implantation, there is no need to screw the abutment into it. You can immediately cover with a crown in 1-3 days. Sometimes the specialist needs a little more time (up to 7 days).
Installation process
There are two ways to put crowns on implants. There are two fixation methods.
The first method is called "cement". The crown is placed on a special glue.
The second fixation option is called "screw". Let's take a closer look at these two crown placement methods.
Using screw retention, the specialist connects the prosthesis to the abutment outside the oral cavity. This prefabricated structure is then inserted into the artificial root. Then, with the help of a screw, the doctor fixes it with the implant. With this method, a small hole will be made on the crown (on its chewing part). After a screw is screwed through it, it will be closed with a special composite mixture. The specialist selects it by color, so that after all the manipulations with the naked eye it is impossible to determine the place where the hole was made.
In the cement fixation method, the specialist uses a screw to screw the abutment into the artificial root. After that, using composite glue, installs the crown on the adapter. The composition has some depreciation properties. This distinguishes it from conventional cement and allows for reliable adhesion of surfaces. This is how the crown is placed on the implant.
Which fixing method is better and why?
In all European countries, the screw method of fixing the crown on the implant is used. Its specialistsconsidered the most reliable, safe and convenient. If after installing the crown on the implant, any problems occur with it, then they can be easily solved. The filling material above the screw can be drilled out. This is how crowns are removed. This moment is especially important when the patient has an extended structure (bridge) fixed on several implants. The use of a screw fixation method will preserve the integrity of the entire bridge in the event that one unit requires adjustments.
Why was cementation invented?
Earlier, when specialists were not armed with high-precision equipment, this method of fixation was necessary. An extended structure, made with errors, could simply not be in the right places. For example, if the bridge is fixed on 3-4 implants with a screw method, it should be made as accurately as possible.
Earlier, the cement method of fastening smoothed out all the errors in the work of the orthopedist and dental technician. Today, having the necessary equipment, only a specialist with insufficient qualifications puts structures on cement. This method does not allow further removal of the crowns one by one, if there is a need to make adjustments. So the patient must discuss with the doctor in advance all the nuances of the operation, up to how he plans to fix the structure.
Timing
In a one-stage operation, the crown is placed on the implant in 2-5 days. But such a procedure requires certain conditions to be met. Boneshould be tight enough. This will allow the specialist to securely fix the artificial root. And the fact that already in the first days he is given a load when chewing food allows him to integrate even faster. This technique uses both special basal implants and conventional ones designed for a two-stage operation.
Installation of the crown on the implant during the procedure in the classical way is expected 2-4 weeks after implantation of the artificial root. It takes up to 14 days to order from a supplier and wait for the delivery of the necessary abutments. The rest of the time is spent on making the crown.
Price of crowns made of various materials
Of course, the total cost will depend on many factors. For example, it plays a big role which clinic the patient chooses and how the procedure will be carried out. The material from which the crowns are made and the type of abutment chosen will also affect the price. We will give the average figure for reference.
Metal ceramics on a metal abutment will cost the patient about 15 thousand rubles.
Tooth crowns on porcelain implants cost approximately 25 thousand rubles.
Zirconium constructions together with the abutment will cost the patient about 45 thousand rubles.
What determines the life of implants
Factors that affect the life of the structure can be objective (not dependent on the patient) and subjective(human influence is exerted).
The first group includes the strength of materials and the qualifications of the doctor, compliance with technology during the operation.
Subjective factors that reduce the life of implants include bad habits, weak immunity, chronic diseases, poor oral care.
Usually, when a crown is placed on an implant, a specialist advises the patient in detail. The first time a person is recommended soft warm food. The doctor may prescribe some kind of antiseptic bath solution. Teeth cleaning should be carried out in a timely and correct manner. Some people mistakenly believe that artificial materials do not need maintenance. However, it is not. The patient must carefully monitor oral hygiene. Doctors definitely recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, paying special attention to the border of contact between the gums and the crown.
Using dental floss increases the effectiveness of the hygiene procedure.
If a crown is placed on an implant, it is necessary to visit a doctor twice a year. They do this with a preventive purpose, even if the patient is not worried about anything. It is worth noting that proper care will extend the life of artificial teeth. And even if there are any defects on the crown (chips, cracks), all this can be easily corrected in the dentist's office.