Dental Implant Parts

Dental Implant Parts

Dentists have been using dental implants for decades to replace missing teeth instead of turning to dentures and bridges. Dental implants are known for their natural appearance and their strength. There are three main parts that work together to compose the dental implant and each part has its own procedure to ensure the dental implant is healthy and has long term success.

The Implant Itself or The Fixture
The fixture is usually made from metal and most often from titanium. The dentist will make a small incision in the gums and drill a hole in the bone where the tooth is missing. The screw-looking device is surgically placed below the gumline and into the hole to fuse with the jaw bone to form an artificial root. The process of the fixture bonding to the jaw bone is called osseointegration and is necessary for the implant to permanently remain in place in your mouth. Because most bodies accept titanium and that metal resists corroding, that material is the most common choice for the fixture. The dentist will close the gum incision with stitches and the implant will need time to heal. As the implant heals in your jaw bone, the implant will gain the strength it needs to support your replacement tooth.

2. Abutment
With the implant entirely below the gumline, the prosthetic tooth will need something to attach to above the gumline. The dentist uses an abutment as an extender from the implant to connect to the crown. Typically, an abutment looks like a short screw that is coming out of your gums. The dentist can use different materials based on the ideal look and typical use of your tooth. If the abutment is located further back in your mouth or needs to be stronger, the dentist may opt to use titanium or metal. If the abutment is located at the front of your smile, the dentist may opt to use a tooth-colored material like zirconia.
Depending on the specifics of your dental implant, the dentist may be able to place the abutment at the same time as your implant. Otherwise, the dentist may use a healing abutment until the implant has fused with the bone and then replace it with a permanent abutment. When the dentist has placed the abutment, the dentist will also place a temporary crown to protect the abutment and to help your mouth heal.

3. Prosthesis or Crown
Finally, the last part of the dental implant is the prosthetic tooth or crown. This replacement tooth should look like your other teeth and function like a natural tooth. You can choose from a variety of materials for your crown depending on your preference and the needs of that tooth. Porcelain or ceramic will look more like your other teeth but gold or other metal may provide you with the strength or look you prefer. The dentist will either cement or screw the crown to the abutment once your mouth has healed from placing the abutment. This is the final step for your dental implant and it usually takes six to nine months to complete. For some people it takes over a year for their mouth to heal sufficiently before moving on to the next step.