Dental implants and crowns

A dental implant is a structure which replaces a missing tooth. An implant has a screw-like device which the dentist inserts into the jawbone, and acts as an anchor for the crown. A crown, also known as a dental cap, is a prosthesis made in the laboratory either in zirconia, porcelain or metal. A combination of these materials may also be used depending on what you would like to achieve.

During the procedure, Dr Hajee will prepare the bone and insert a dental implant, which is a titanium body. This will serve as the root of the tooth.

This is usually a very quick and simple procedure, and the implant body is not visible after placement. There is a waiting period of 3 months to allow for osseointegration before the tooth or crown can be placed on the implant body. Osseointegration is simply the process by which the bone integrates with the implant. The crown is delivered at the second visit.

After this period of 3 months, a healing abutment which looks like a little silver button is then placed on the implant for a few days whilst the crown is being developed. The crown will be connected to the dental implant through an abutment, which will serve as the holder of the crown. The implant crown will be either cemented on or secured with a screw to the abutment.

There are various different types of crowns, namely:

• Zirconia crowns are the most aesthetic and very strong and durable. Crowns are used to restore extensively damaged teeth such as root treated teeth or teeth which have very little tooth structure. In this way better aesthetics may be achieved for the front teeth and function may be restored.

For root treated teeth, a post and core build-up may be necessary before placing the crown.

• Metals may also be used in posterior teeth to increase strength, and gold is a material of choice in patients who are bruxers.