Closing an Unattractive Gap between Your Two Front Teeth

Once your gum tissue has healed around the implant post, your dentist will attach the false crown. This false crown can either be attached with cement or with a screw to the abutment and post. You may wonder if one option is better than another. Read on to learn more about their differences and pros and cons so that you can feel good about you and your dentist's decision before your implant surgery.

What Is the Difference Between Cement- and Screw-Retained Implants?

A screw-retained implant has an access hole, where a screw will be inserted and attach to the implant post. Obviously you don't want the top of the tooth to have a screw head, so once the implant is secured, your dentist will use tooth-colored acrylic or composite to seal the opening. On the other hand, cement-retained implants have no access hole for a screw. They are actually very similar in appearance to false crowns you'd have placed over enamel. The dental cement will cure and adhere to the rest of the implant.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Both?

Cement-retained implants have better aesthetics, and they tend to be more durable than screw-retained implants since there is no access hole. One downside of cement-retained implants is that some people are sensitive to the dental cement. If any excess cement is left behind, it can cause gum tissue damage and inflammation. So a cement-retained implants aren't always a good idea for people prone to gingivitis or people with gum recession.

The great advantage of screw-retained implants is that they can easily be replaced and maintained if there is a fracture in the restoration. If you ever need a new crown, it can be placed more easily onto the post and abutment with a screw-retained implant. Furthermore, screw-retained implants work very well with overdenture appliances and provide more support than cement-retained implants.  

Has the Technology Improved?

The good news is that dental technology improved enough that the pros of each type outweigh the cons. For instance, some screw-retained implants have abutment screws that don't interfere with the crown durability as much. Some cement-retained implants are constructed to have margins that don't compress gum tissue as much so that excess cement can be removed before it's cured. Ultimately, while there may be pros and cons of each type of implant, your dentist can help you pick the restoration that works best with your situation.  

Reach out to a local dentist for more information on dental implants.