Dental implants are the closest thing to having teeth replacements that look as natural as your old ones. They are worthy of wearing since they are cost-effective, less intrusive than other available options, and are highly durable.
Typically, most dental implants available function on the same principles. They have a three-piece design made up of components such as the post (also known as a screw), the abutment, which attaches to the post, and the prosthesis (tooth restoration) that could either be a denture, a crown, or a bridge. The post is implanted into the jawbone and allowed to fuse to allow it to better support the whole tooth, and the abutment is attached to it. Often, a false crown is first attached to help the gums heal before eventually attaching the final ceramic crown.
Table of Contents
Dental Implant Components
The Post
The dental implant post is the pillar on which the whole artificial tooth structure is anchored on. It is inserted into your jawbone through a short surgical procedure. The post has the natural look of a real tooth root, and its end is tapered the same way.
These fixtures are available in various diameters, which means you don’t have to worry about whether you will find the right one for your tooth or not. With the help of a dentist, you will get the appropriate diameter that meets the restoration process.
An implant post is usually hollow to allow the abutment to be screwed onto it. And in a three-piece design, for example, once it has been inserted into your jawbone, it is left to fuse in a process called osseointegration, which further cements and keeps the tooth permanently in place. This means that the restoration process isn’t done immediately. Instead, the dentist will attach the next piece, the abutment, later before fitting it with the implant prosthesis.
The most common material used for the implant is titanium. It is biocompatible and can fuse perfectly with the jawbone over time, normally up to six months. This is also the time it takes for a dental implant to heal, which means that once the post has fused with the surrounding tissue the next step of the restoration process is carried out.
The Abutment
This is the second piece in your tooth restoration process that is attached once the post has healed. It is also titanium-made, and it secures the restoration to the whole tooth structure.
Implant abutments are available in a vast range based on the type of implant you are getting, or the system used for the restoration process. For example, abutments used to support crowns and bridges are tiny and protrude above the line of the gum.
Those used to support dentures, on the other hand, have a different style, thanks to the denture implants, which often come with exclusive attachments on the fitting surface that are fixed onto the abutments. Sometimes, the abutments can be used to support a bar where the denture is clipped directly.
The Restoration
This is the final piece in the dental implant structure and is usually attached to the abutment. Depending on what you want, the restoration could be a crown a bridge, or a denture. This is also influenced by the number of teeth being replaced.
• Crown – Crowns are ceramic, alloy, or porcelain pieces fixed onto the abutment of a dental implant. They are suitable, especially if you only have a single tooth missing. A crown will be cemented or screwed onto the abutment to give the tooth being replaced a natural look. Crowns can also be made from other materials.
• Bridge – Bridges are more appropriate for the replacement of several teeth in a row. They are made of porcelain, and they often require only two implants to keep the whole structure securely in place. The false teeth are given a look that matches your existing teeth for a natural appearance.
• Denture – Implant-supported dentures are ideal for those replacing a whole jaw of teeth. While the traditional ones rest on the gums and suction-held, implant anchored dentures are held in place by the post and abutment. Dentures deliver a natural smile, just like your old teeth. These fixtures are often made of either plastic or porcelain.
Can’t Choose the Right Dental Implants?
If you are looking to replace missing teeth, or you are seeking more information on the right parts for your dental implants, give Smile Angels a chance to help you bring back that intoxicating smile. With vast knowledge and experience in dental implants, you can walk back home with your worries put to rest.