Which crowns are best for implants: types, methods of fixation, cost

To carry out a high-quality prosthetics procedure, a prerequisite is the installation crowns on an implanted implant. Today, there are a huge number of these designs.

They are noted for their high strength and durability. This article will describe in detail which crowns are best placed on the implant, their types, stages of installation and the nuances of the procedure.

When to put crowns on implants

With the loss of teeth, the patient is very often undergoing the implantation procedure. When installing an implant, not only the tooth itself is restored, but also its root. It is made of titanium or ceramic and is implanted into the bone tissue. A prerequisite for this procedure is the installation of such a structure. They are installed in such cases:

• in case of missing one or more teeth, including their roots;
• absence or destruction of the root;
• milk teeth in an adult patient (a condition where molars have not formed).

At the same time, doctors note some contraindications when installing such structures:

• disruption of the heart and blood vessels;
• kidney problems;
• weak immunity;
• disorders in the nervous system;
• poor bone condition;
• the age of patients after 65 years;
• various blood diseases.

The decision on the appropriateness of the implantation procedure is made by the attending physician after receiving the test results. In case of a ban, the patient will be offered an alternative technique for the restoration of missing teeth. A prerequisite is a detailed study of the bone tissue, if it is in poor condition, then the patient is augmented in certain areas.

Types of crowns for implants

The most popular are cermet and ceramic.

Sintered metal

When installing a structure from cermets there are practically no differences from a real tooth. They are installed mainly in the upper part of the implant.

Among the advantages are: long service life and high strength, ease of manufacture, metal-ceramic crowns on the implant are highly hygienic (due to their porosity), availability in the price.

The disadvantages are: the risk that metal will be visible through the ceramic coating, such types of crowns look unaesthetic on front teeth.

Ceramic

Ceramic structures are made of various materials (zirconium dioxide or non-pressed ceramics). It is very important that the place of attachment with the implant is made of the same material.

Among the advantages, it is worth highlighting the duration of service (up to 20 years), ease of maintenance, easy to use. Among the disadvantages is the high cost compared to cermets.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of using such structures in comparison with bridge structures are:

• ease of use and good fixation;
• good aesthetic appearance (practically do not differ from healthy teeth);
• help bone tissue to avoid atrophy;
• avoidance of injury to adjacent teeth during prosthetics;
• duration of service;
• ease of care;
• the ability to install an implant in a short time.

Among the disadvantages, one can single out the high cost of crowns (depending on the material for manufacturing), the ability to see through the metal through the structure (when using metal-ceramic crowns).

Installation steps

At the very beginning, the patient undergoes a thorough examination and preparation. A prerequisite is X-ray images, which will allow you to establish the condition of the bone tissue and root. If there is a lack of bone tissue, it will need to be augmented, and this takes longer.

Next, an implant is installed, which is made of titanium. After that, the patient is placed with a temporary construction and waited until engraftment occurs (about 6 months). During this time, the manufacturing process of the abutment takes place. The material for it can be titanium or ceramics. After that, a crown is attached to it, and the prosthetics is considered complete.

It all depends on what type of implantation was chosen. In some cases, the patient can undergo the procedure within 3 days after the implant is installed. As a rule, the most optimal terms of prosthetics are considered from 1 to 6 months (depending on the location of the teeth, the state of the bone tissue and the engraftment of a foreign body).

Abutment fixation methods

An abutment is an adapter between a crown and an implant. There are only two types of fixation for its installation: screw and cement. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

Screw retained

When screw-retained onto an implant, the process of connecting the crown and abutment takes place outside the patient's oral cavity. At the second stage, this structure is attached directly to the implant.

This process is carried out using a special screw. To do this, the doctor makes a hole in the tooth and screw the entire structure into it. After that, a special substance is applied to the tooth to make it look aesthetically pleasing.

Cement fixation

Cement-retaining differs from the previous version in that the crown with the screw is attached to the implant using special dental cement. It allows you to securely fix it.

The disadvantage is the fact that it will no longer be possible to remove or replace such a structure. This method is much easier than installing a screw and does not require special skills from the dentist. It should be noted that cement fixation is considered obsolete and is no longer used in most clinics.

What type of fixation is more reliable

Doctors believe that screw fastening is considered more reliable and convenient. It can be take off if necessary (for example, the occurrence of discomfort during operation) or tighten the screw if it is loose. This is very important when installing a bridge that is held in place by implants.

In case of loosening of the structure, the screw fastening is easier to replace. This procedure is recommended to be performed in the clinic where the prosthetics procedure was performed. If a cement material is used, the product cannot be removed. Therefore, these points should be taken into account when choosing a mounting option.

It should be noted that the service life of the crown and implant depends only on the patient.

Consider the following requirements:

• do not use anything cold and hot;
• use antiseptics after implantation surgery;
• observe oral hygiene;
• visit your dentist regularly to monitor the situation.

Temporary crown

At the time of the implant engraftment, a temporary structure can be installed in the patient. It is put on for two reasons:

• so that the gums get used to the new design;
• to give an aesthetic look.

In addition, while eating, the load will be evenly distributed to all teeth, the correct bite will be maintained and the process of displacement of other teeth in the row will be prevented. These products are affordable, so you shouldn't skimp on their installation.

They are made of plastic in a short time. The disadvantage is the risk of penetration of pathogens due to the high porosity of the structure. Therefore, with prolonged wear, an inflammatory process may occur at the site of implantation.

Another disadvantage of such temporary structures is their darkening during the period of operation. The maximum period of their installation should not exceed 2 years.

Complications after implantation

It should be noted that complications are very rare. The risk of implant rejection is practically zero. If, nevertheless, this happened, then the structure must be removed. Among the side symptoms are:

• painful sensations;
• inflammation and bleeding in the gums after installation.

Among the complications after the installation of a crown on an implant, one can distinguish:

• pain;
• bleeding gums;
• loss of the implant due to poor suture;
• inflammatory processes;
• sinusitis (in the case of installing structures on the upper jaw);
• confluence of the implant;
• injury to the nerve endings in the tongue or lips.

If any of the unpleasant symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. He will decide on the removal of the implant or other procedures. As a rule, most complications arise from errors during the procedure.

Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent the entry of infectious microorganisms. In addition, after installing the implant, it is imperative to rinse your mouth with disinfectants.

Cost of crowns for implants

The price varies depending on the material of manufacture and the manufacturer. The most popular brands are Zimmer, Nobelbiocare, Lifecore, Astra Tech and others. These manufacturers are noted for the high cost of their crowns. Among the more accessible are MIS, AlphaBio, Osstem.

On average, the installation of a metal-ceramic product may require from 10 to 15 thousand pieces. rubles. The price of a metal-free crown is in the range of up to 30 thousand. rubles. This price also includes a titanium abutment.

In addition, the costs of imaging, blood tests, anesthesia, and temporary restorations need to be added. These procedures amount to about 10 thousand. rubles (depending on the clinic).

Patient opinions

Most of the reviews of patients who have undergone the procedure of implantation and installation of crowns are positive:

Loss of teeth is always an unpleasant moment. I really want to keep a healthy and beautiful smile. Therefore, today very often people decide on the implantation procedure. This is a modern technique, practically painless and famous for the durability of its structure (in comparison with the bridge).

When choosing crowns, one should take into account the material from which they are made and the type of attachment to the abutment. Today there are a huge number of manufacturers of such structures. A prosthetist will help with their choice, who will take into account all the possibilities and wishes of the patient.