Implant Abutment
A dental implant is composed of three parts: the implant, an abutment, and an implant crown. Don’t tell implants can replace one tooth, a few teeth, or even an entire arch or both arches. The abutment acts as the connecting element between the implant and the implant crown.
Implant abutments can be either prefabricated or custom made. A prefabricated abutment comes in many sizes and shapes to allow for the best fit to the implant and crown. Custom-made abutments are fabricated in the dental lab with the implant crown using a model of your mouth provided by your dentist.
Abutments can be made using a variety of materials such as titanium, stainless steel, gold or even zirconium. Titanium is the most common material due to its strength and biocompatibility. Your dentist will determine which type of abutment to use depending on the type of prosthesis that will be connected to it. Larger abutments may be used for bridges or implant supported dentures.
Once the implant is fully integrated and your surgeon has cleared you for a restoration, your dentist will have your implant crown fabricated at a dental lab using a model that they fabricate from impressions of your teeth. Once the lab completes your restoration, your dentist will have you back for a fitting. If the abutment and implant crown fit perfectly, they will permanently screw or cement the implant to the appointment. If modifications need to be made, your healing will be put back on and your restoration case will be sent back to the lab.
Dental implants can also be used to secure removable prostheses in which case a special retainer-type abutment is used to hold the prosthesis in place. If your dentist is placing a snap-in denture, the attachments on the denture will snap into the abutment.
There are also times when an angulated abutment is necessary. In this case, the implant is at an angle and an angulated abutment will ensure that the prosthesis sits properly on the gum line.
Dental implants are a long process so it is important to make sure that you are healthy and can endure the surgery or surgeries that it may take to get you to a healthy state. Before an implant can be placed, your surgeon will determine if you have sufficient bonus structure. If you do not, they will place a bone graft that will have to heal and integrate into your jawbone before the implant can be placed. Once the implant is placed, you may need up to six months of healing time before the implant can be restored with the abutment and implant crown.
If you are missing one or multiple teeth, a dental implant is a secure and healthy way to reestablish a natural-looking and fully functioning smile!