Dental Implant Parts
Dental implants are a great way to restore your smile if you are missing one or multiple teeth! Implants are a healthy option for patients as well because the implant acts as the root of a tooth in the jawbone and helps stimulate bone regeneration. Other dental restorations that lie solely above the gumline can actually allow the jawbone to deteriorate over years and can become ill-fitting. Dental implants and implant-supported prostheses are a natural and secure option for restoring your smile.
Dental Implant Parts and Procedure
Dental dental implant is made up of three components which include the implant, an abutment, and an implant crown.
The implant: An oral surgeon or periodontist will be the doctor that places your actual implant. A dental implant is a titanium post that screws into your jawbone and lies below the gum surface. Your doctor will make a small incision in the gum tissue and drill a hole into the bone for the implant to be screwed into. If you do not have sufficient bone structure, your doctor may perform a bone graft that will need to heal and fuse to your job bone before the implant can be placed. Once the implant is placed, healing time can take up to six months before the implant is fully integrated.
The abutment: A temporary abutment, called a healing cap, will be placed over the implant while it heals and integrates with the bone. When your oral surgeon determines that the implant is fully integrated, they will clear you for restoration. Your dentist will take over from here and will remove the healing cap and place your permanent abutment and then take an impression of your mouth to make a model for the dental lab. The healing will be replaced until your implant crown is fabricated and ready for placement.
The permanent abutment acts as the connecting element between the implant and your implant crown. The abutment is typically made of titanium but can also be fabricated using tooth colored materials.
The crown: your implant crown will be made using porcelain and will be colored to match the rest of your teeth. The implant crown is screwed into the abutment via an access hole. The access hole is then filled using composite material like that of a filling. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing, an individual crown can be used or a full implant bridge can be placed or even an entire arch of implant-supported dentures.
Dental implants are a natural-looking and stable way to restore your smile and the function of your teeth. With proper care and maintenance, implants can last a lifetime though the prosthesis may need to be replaced eventually. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and to visit your dentist regularly to make sure the implant is healthy and secure.
Not everyone is a candidate for implants so discuss your options with your doctor before making any decisions.