Cement Retained Implant Crown: Is It Right for You?

The success of implant dentistry often hinges on selecting the optimal restoration method, and the cement retained implant crown presents a common solution. Peri-implantitis, a potential complication, demands careful consideration of crown retention methods. Dental professionals at the American Academy of Periodontology advocate for meticulous protocols to minimize this risk. The decision to use a cement retained implant crown involves assessing the patient’s specific needs and the available abutment options for long-term stability.

Image taken from the YouTube channel Dental Sky Ltd , from the video titled Premier Implant Cement .

Understanding Cement Retained Implant Crowns

When considering dental implant restorations, the choice between different crown retention methods is a significant decision. This explanation focuses on cement retained implant crowns, outlining their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, suitability, and maintenance to help you understand if this option is right for you.

What is a Cement Retained Implant Crown?

A cement retained implant crown is a type of dental restoration designed to replace a missing tooth using a dental implant as its base. Unlike screw-retained crowns, which are directly attached to the implant with a screw, cement retained crowns are secured to the implant abutment using dental cement. The abutment is a connector that attaches to the implant fixture in the jawbone.

The Components Involved

The process involves several key components:

• Dental Implant Fixture: This is the titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as the artificial root.

• Abutment: This connector attaches to the implant fixture and protrudes above the gum line. It serves as the foundation for the crown.

• Dental Cement: This specialized adhesive is used to permanently bond the crown to the abutment.

• Crown: This is the visible, tooth-shaped restoration that functions like a natural tooth.

Advantages of Cement Retained Implant Crowns

Choosing cement retained implant crowns comes with several benefits:

• Aesthetics: Cement retained crowns often provide a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance, as there is no visible screw access hole on the biting surface of the tooth. This allows for a smoother, more seamless integration with surrounding teeth.
• Passive Fit: The cement can compensate for slight discrepancies in fit between the abutment and crown, which can be helpful in cases where achieving a perfect fit is challenging.
• Occlusion Adjustment: Adjustment of the bite (occlusion) is often simpler than with screw-retained crowns because the cement layer allows for slight vertical adjustments during placement.
• Cost: Typically, cement retained crowns are slightly less expensive to fabricate than screw-retained crowns due to the more straightforward manufacturing process.

Disadvantages of Cement Retained Implant Crowns

While offering advantages, there are also potential drawbacks to consider:

• Cement Excess: Excess cement can remain under the gum line after crown placement. This excess cement can harbor bacteria and lead to inflammation, peri-implant mucositis, or even peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant). Removing this excess cement thoroughly can be difficult.
• Retrieval Challenges: In the event that the crown needs to be removed for maintenance or repair, it can be challenging and may potentially damage the abutment or implant.
• Cement Selection: The choice of cement is crucial. Incorrect cement selection can lead to crown loosening or failure over time.

When is a Cement Retained Implant Crown Appropriate?

The decision to use a cement retained implant crown depends on several factors:

• Aesthetic Requirements: If aesthetics are a primary concern, particularly in the front teeth, cement retained crowns can provide a more natural look.
• Available Interocclusal Space: Sufficient space between the upper and lower teeth is needed for the cement layer and crown material. In cases of limited space, alternative options might be necessary.
• Implant Angulation: Cement retained crowns can be more suitable when the implant is placed at a slight angle because they allow for angle correction with the abutment.
• Patient Preferences: Some patients may have a preference for the appearance of cement retained crowns.

Comparing Cement Retained and Screw-Retained Crowns

To illustrate the differences, consider the following table:

Maintenance of Cement Retained Implant Crowns

Proper maintenance is essential for the long-term success of cement retained implant crowns.

• Oral Hygiene: Meticulous oral hygiene is crucial to prevent inflammation and peri-implantitis. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using interdental brushes or water flossers to clean around the crown and abutment.
• Regular Check-ups: Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are necessary to monitor the health of the implant and surrounding tissues and to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
• Cement Monitoring: Your dentist will monitor the cement seal during check-ups to ensure it remains intact.
• Dietary Considerations: Avoid excessively hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the crown or compromise the cement seal.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this helped you understand more about whether a cement retained implant crown is the right choice for you. Weigh the pros and cons, and talk it over with your dentist. Good luck with your smile journey!