Dental Abutments
Have you lost a tooth recently? Replacing that missing tooth with a dental implant may be the perfect solution for you. Overall, the dental implant procedure can sound a bit overwhelming, below is some information on why you may consider the implant and a further discussion of the implant parts, including the dental abutment.
What is a Dental Implant?
The primary purpose of a dental implant is to replace a missing tooth. Although the implant is made up of 3 specific pieces, the implant itself is a metal post that is inserted into your jawbone right below the gums during an outpatient surgical procedure. After the implant is in place, your dentist will attach the abutment and an artificial tooth on top of the implant, creating a brand new tooth for you.
What is the Dental Abutment?
The dental abutment is a very important part of the dental implant that many people don’t know about. A dental abutment is a small titanium or zirconia extender that connects the dental implant and the crown. The crown is either cemented to the abutment or screwed in to it. Beyond playing the important role of connecting the implant to the crown, the abutment also helps shape the gums around the dental restoration. Abutments can be made from a variety of materials, and which material you choose will affect the strength and aesthetic you end up with. Abutments come in all shapes and sizes and there are different types of abutments to choose from, for example:
- Immediately after implant surgery: a dentist might choose a healing abutment to cover the center of a dental implant and promote healthy gum development. The goal of a healing abutment is not to attach to a dental implant to, but to play a crucial role in healing.
- After healing: A dentist may choose a custom-made abutment to better match the anatomy of the patient. This may be especially the case if the implant is in an area that is more visible in the mouth during smiling. A custom-made abutment will go a long way to ensure the crown and implant looks natural.
Why is a Dental Implant the Way to Go?
There are many tooth replacement alternatives to dental implants that may cost less and don’t require surgery. Dentures and bridges are two popular alternatives. The largest difference is that a dental implant is permanently secured in the mouth. Dentures and bridges are not permanent and therefore patients may have to deal with them becoming loose overtime. During the surgical implant procedure, the dental implant is securely placed in the jawbone, and in the new few weeks, the jawbone will heal around the implant, securing it in place. Once secured, It is possible to attach dentures or bridges to an implant to help ensure stability. The implant itself acts like a root of a tooth even for the bridge or denture. This stability gives dental implants an advantage over alternatives. Implants are stable, durable, and secure; all huge benefits to improving day to day activities.