We recently delivered two crowns that are supported by dental implants. Here are a few pictures of the process:
After the surgeon placed the implants, he attached a healing cap to each one. The round, silver healing caps cover the implant for a few months after they are placed to allow bone to grow around the implants until they are well-anchored. The implants, just like fence posts in cement, must be firmly anchored before attaching the crown and applying forces.
Here are the implant crowns in place while we check the fit. The hole in the center is for the screw that holds the crown securely to the implant.
Once the fit is confirmed, the screws are torqued to 35 Newton/cm, covered, and the access hole restored to a natural look. The patient can chew with these teeth immediately without restrictions.
Smiles,
Dr. Cook