Implant Abutment

After you and the dentist have determined that a dental implant is the best way to address your missing tooth, the three parts of the implant will provide you with a complete smile. The abutment attaches the crown to the implant and allows the dental implant to function just like your natural teeth.

Dental Implant Procedure

After the dentist surgically places the implant below your gums, the dentist will use an abutment to keep the replacement tooth on top of the new titanium root. The dentist may place the abutment immediately after placing the implant or the dentist may opt to place the abutment after the implant has healed.

How the Abutment Works

Depending on how quickly your body heals from the implant placement and how well the titanium implant has fused to your jaw bone, the dentist can secure the abutment in place after a few months. Abutments are made from a variety of materials including titanium, gold, stainless steel, zirconia, or poly ether ketone and the dentist will help you choose the best material depending on the location of the missing tooth. If your missing tooth is located in the back of your mouth, you do not need to be worried about the visibility of titanium but you do want the strength of titanium for chewing. If your missing tooth is located at the front of your mouth, you may want to consider zirconia for a more natural tooth appearance.

Dentists can offer two classes of abutments based on your needs and your mouth; you can have a prefabricated one or a custom made one. Abutments are manufactured in range of sizes and shapes and can be delivered as stock items with the implants. The dentist can review with you about the about the best fit for you. These abutments are made from all the same materials as custom abutments.

The dental crown can be attached to the abutment with dental cement or lag screws. The dentist will choose the best means of attachment based on where the missing tooth is in your mouth and how large the abutment is. For more visible crowns, the dentist will typically use cement to optimize the aesthetics. For crowns that may require maintenance, the dentist will typically use lag screws. In order for the screws to work properly, the abutment will have a threaded hole. The crown will have holes for the screws to penetrate and attach to the abutment.

In the case of dental implants that are addressing more than one missing tooth or if the implant is on a different inclination than the crown or prosthesis, abutments do not need to be placed parallel to the implant. If a specific angulation is required, the dentist may recommend a custom-made abutment. A dental lab will fabricate the abutment based on an impression of the top of the implant, just like a dental lab will fabricate the crown based on the impression of the abutment and surrounding teeth. The customization of the abutment can include special shapes, sizes, and materials based on the needs of your mouth.

More on Implants : Dental Implant Crown