What is screwless dental implants?
Screwless dental implant or press-fit or friction-fit dental implant is an implant design that does not require screws to hold the abutment. They function on the basis of a fairly close match where the implant is forced snugly onto the abutment by employing engineering understandings and actual manufacturing specifications. This is different from the screw-retained implants that employs utilization of screws to secure parts of the implants. Some of the major benefits include minimum chances of screw loosing and easy installation of the screws. Also, they provide better aesthetic results because of the lack of screw holes.
How to do a screwless implant?
The technique used to place screwless implants involves preparing the implant site and placing the implant firmly into the bone. Since the implant and abutment components are made to fit perfectly together, screws are not needed as in other implant treatments. Adhesive is used to make the implant-prosthesis connection stronger or to ensure a better fit of the prosthesis. There is no need for sutures as the components are fixed in place during the treatment. In addition, the procedure is done in a single session and recovery is faster because less tissue is cut.
The Importance of Dental Implants
Dental implants have very important benefits because they are used to treat missing teeth. For this reason, they are used very often in dentistry. Structural deterioration and bone resorption in the jawbone due to missing teeth are prevented by implant treatment. With all the advantages of having natural teeth, you feel as if you have your own natural teeth back. They are aesthetic and permanent and you can chew, speak and smile in a very natural way without any worries. They also maintain the position of your other teeth and prevent dental problems due to misalignment and other dental complications.
Screw-Retained Implant and Bonding Implant Method
Dental implants are very significant option to natural teeth in restorative dentistry since they offer many solutions to dental function and esthetics. The two main dental implants types are used: Screw and bonded anchors. Thus, the following benefits and drawbacks of certain uses will help to determine the potential uses of each one.
Screw Implants
Screw implants are a type of dental implant which have a cylindrical or tapered screw like structure with external thread. They are mainly made of titanium or titanium allop, which have good biocompatibility and well-adhered bone tissue compatibility. The surgical implantation entails making an initial hole into the jaw bone then screwing in the implant. This method enhances the capability of the implant to be cogged into the bone since the bone will grow around it. Screw implants are preferred due to the predictable nature of the results as well as their resistance to occlusal loads.
Screw Implant Advantages
Durability and longevity: Screw implants are produced from stainless steel or titanium, therefore, are long-lasting and can serve for several years without needing replacement.
High Success Rate: The type of screw implants used and the material used affect the dental restorations success rate as a result of it.
Minimal Bone Loss: When screw implants are well incorporated they do not get loose and therefore they do not get in the way when it comes to bone resorption.
Osseointegration: Screw implants show good primary stability as well as good osseointegration where the bone grows onto the implant surface.
Disadvantages of Screw Implants
Aesthetic Limitations: Compared to the other choices of implant, screw retained implant is not the good choice to use for anterior teeth that require esthetics since the screw hole spoils the view.
Invasive Procedure: Screw implants' placement is a more complex process requiring more surgeries and time to heal.
Bonding Implants
Bonding implants, also known as Cement retained implants, are a new generation of implants that do not require screwing during the placement of the crown. Therefore, there is no screw hole, which makes the restoration look more natural. The smooth or slightly roughened abutment surface ensures a stronger bond. This approach is aesthetically superior to screw implants because there are no visible screw and access holes. They are suitable for anterior teeth because their visibility and aesthetics are important.
Bonding Implant Advantages
Aesthetic Appearance: Bonding implants provide better aesthetics because there are no screw access holes. This makes the restoration look more natural, especially on the front teeth.
Shorter treatment time: Since bonding is used instead of screwing, the treatment time is shorter than with traditional screw implants. Due to the reduction in the procedure time, the patient has a more comfortable process.
Better Fit and Finish: Since there is no screw access hole, there is no need to cover or conceal the hole. Therefore, a better fit and finish is achieved. It also reduces the risk of bacterial leakage, which is a concern with screw implants
Disadvantages of Bonding Implants
Durability: Bonding implants are generally less durable than the screw-retained implants and tend to be wear out faster especially where high chewing forces are involved.
Repair Limitations: It is also difficult to do a repair if the crown or veneer is ruined and compared to screw implants, it may necessitate the replacement of the full crown.
Chewing Efficiency: They do not have the same chewing comfort and efficiency as Screw-Retained implants and are therefore better suited for anterior teeth.
Maintenance Challenges: The bonding material, which is used to attach the implants also pose a challenge for cleaning and may lead to infections, thus demanding extra attention on oral hygiene
Differences between Screw-Retained Implants and Bonded Implants: Choosing the Right Implant
There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the type of implant, screw-retained or bonded. The position of the gap (back or anterior of mouth), the density of the bone, and personal preference on the appearance and feel etc. Each implant type has its benefits and dysadvantages depending on the situation of the patient and that is why it is recommended to consult with a dentists.
When it comes to aesthetics, bonded implants are more suitable than screw implants. They are used in anterior teeth rather than molars. From a clinical point of view, screw-retained screw implants are particularly preferred for the treatment of molars in the posterior part of the oral cavity, where they are particularly heavily loaded. This feature of screw implants is useful in preventing implant failure due to mechanical load. Screw implants have a longer life than bonding implants.
Screw-retained implants do not require bonding material. This avoids various problems in the gingiva, such as peri-implantitis, which can lead to failure of the restoration. In the bonding implant procedure, an adhesive is used. Excessive use of adhesive creates a risk of bacterial infection around the implant, which can lead to inflammation and bone loss. Furthermore, the screw mechanism facilitates the separation of the crown and therefore provides the chance to adjust or repair the implant without having to remove it completely. This is especially useful for solving problems that may affect the crown in the long term, such as crown damage or loosening.
Bonded implants, on the other hand, create some problems in terms of maintenance and repair. Because the bonded crown cannot be removed and veneer or crown replacement is required. One of the negative aspects of screw-retained implants is the loosening of the screws and requires constant follow-up even if the problem is corrected.