Your dentist may have recommended a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, but do you know the components of a dental implant? Today, the dentists in our network will talk to you about the main components of the latter.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are placed during surgery into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth and protect the patient's oral health. When combined with a crown or another dental replacement, implants have a natural look and feel.
Dental implants can help address many oral health issues. For example, they can prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, help resolve occlusion problems and jaw joint pain, and help preserve the aesthetic appearance and tissues of the face.
1. Fixture
The implant itself, also known as the fixture, is usually made of titanium and placed beneath the gums.
During the first appointment, the surgeon inserts the permanent screw-shaped implant into the jawbone. As the tissue heals, the fixture bonds with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.
Implants are often designed in titanium, as this material is known to be well accepted by the human body. The use of appropriate materials increases the chances of osseointegration and reduces the risk of corrosion or other complications.
2. Abutment
The future prosthesis cannot be directly sealed or screwed into the implant. It is therefore necessary to use an intermediate piece, called the abutment, which is screwed into the implant.
The abutment is a short screw that extends at or just above the gum line to support the replacement tooth. It serves as an anchor for the future prosthesis.
The abutment can be made from a material or metal that matches the colour of the tooth and is generally fixed after osseointegration has occurred. Sometimes the dentist may place a fixture, an abutment, and a temporary restoration at the same time.
3. Tooth Replacement
Three to six months after the surgery, you will return to the practice to complete the procedure. A dental replacement such as a crown, bridge, or denture can then be fixed. The dental replacement has the appearance and the same function as a natural tooth and can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or other materials.
The prosthesis and the implant function like a natural tooth, meaning you can chew and speak as you normally would.
Replacing missing teeth to maintain oral health
Whatever dental replacement option is chosen, it is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to avoid deterioration of the jaw and gum tissues. If your tissues deteriorate, this can lead to other complications for your oral and overall health. Additionally, the teeth surrounding the gap may begin to shift, which can cause occlusion problems and misaligned teeth.
One of the dentists in our network can help you diagnose any oral health issues you may have and determine a treatment plan. If you are missing teeth or experiencing other oral health problems, schedule a dental exam and cleaning today.
Do you need to replace missing teeth?
The dentists in our network can help you and answer all your questions.