Cemented Crowns
What are Cemented Crowns?
A cemented crown is a dental crown that is securely attached to a dental implant using a specialized dental cement. This type of crown is commonly recommended because it offers several significant benefits:
- Aesthetics: Cemented crowns are designed to look just like a natural tooth, seamlessly blending in with your smile. The material used is biocompatible, meaning it works well with the surrounding gum tissues.
- Function: Once placed, cemented crowns function just like natural teeth. They restore your ability to bite, chew, and speak comfortably.
- Fracture Resistance: Cemented crowns are known for their excellent durability, making them highly resistant to breakage. Because of their strength and longevity, they are often the first choice for single tooth replacements.
The Downsides of Cemented Crowns
While cemented crowns offer numerous benefits, there are a few downsides to consider:
- Difficult Removal: Once placed, cemented crowns can be more challenging to remove if repairs or adjustments are needed. However, any issues can typically be addressed easily by our team.
- Bacterial Retention: If any excess cement is left around the gumline, it may harbor bacteria, which can potentially lead to implant failure over time.
- Gum Inflammation or Bone Loss: On rare occasions, excess cement may cause gum irritation or contribute to crestal bone loss. To prevent these issues, our team takes great care in ensuring the crown is placed properly and securely.
What is the Process for Placing Cemented Crowns?
Cemented crowns are a popular choice for single tooth replacements and are typically placed after the dental implant has properly integrated with the bone (a process called osseointegration), which takes approximately 3-4 months. The procedure involves the following steps:
- Crown Fabrication: After osseointegration, our dentists will create a custom crown designed to perfectly match the implant and your surrounding teeth.
- Cementing the Crown: The cement is placed either inside the crown or on the implant itself, and the crown is carefully seated in place. Excess cement is removed to ensure a clean and secure fit.
- Bite Check: We check your bite to ensure the crown fits perfectly and that your teeth come together correctly.
After placement, we recommend avoiding hard or sticky foods while the cement hardens. It’s also important to refrain from flossing around the crown immediately after the procedure. Any discomfort can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and saltwater rinses.
Bone Density Requirements and Necessary Scans
For successful implant placement, there must be enough healthy bone to support the implant. This is typically assessed through cone beam imaging, which provides a 3D view of your jawbone. If there is insufficient bone volume, our surgeons may recommend bone grafting to enhance the available bone for the implant.
Once the bone density is sufficient, the cemented crown can be placed following a careful and precise procedure. This involves positioning the implant correctly and ensuring the crown fits perfectly with the implant, which requires specialized software.
The Importance of Preoperative Planning
Preoperative planning is essential for the success of cemented crowns. Our experienced implant surgeons use state-of-the-art imaging, like cone beam technology, to create 3D images of the treatment area. This helps us plan the implant placement and crown design with precision, ensuring a successful outcome and a smile that lasts.
Restorative Dentistry
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49999 W 8TH AVE #28
Hialeh, FL 33012
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Restoring Your Smile, One Crown at a Time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A cemented crown is a type of fixed dental crown that is bonded to a dental implant using dental cement. Unlike regular crowns, which are placed on natural teeth, cemented crowns are used to restore implants and provide a secure and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
With proper care and maintenance, cemented crowns can last for many years—typically between 10-15 years or longer. However, factors like oral hygiene, diet, and regular dental visits can influence the lifespan of your crown.
The procedure for placing a cemented crown is generally not painful. Local anesthesia is used to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. Some patients may experience minor soreness or sensitivity after the crown is placed, but this usually resolves within a few days.
Yes! Once the cement has fully set, you can eat normally with your cemented crown. However, we recommend avoiding sticky or hard foods for the first few days to allow the cement to harden completely.
Caring for a cemented crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly to keep the crown and surrounding gums healthy. Regular dental check-ups are important to ensure that your crown remains in good condition and to address any potential issues early.
