If you are considering implant dentistry or are about to go through the process and want to learn more about it, it is helpful to first understand the basics. Here, we will discuss the various parts that make up an implant dentistry restoration and highlight how they all work together to complete the restoration.
An implant dentistry restoration consists of a dental implant, dental abutment, and a restoration (crown, bridge, or denture). All three of these components are essential to complete the restoration. The following is everything to know about each part that is used in the procedure, their role, and when they are placed throughout the process.
The dental implant is what separates implant dentistry restorations from alternative (and more traditional) solutions. The implant is a screw-like metal post that is fixed into the jawbone, serving as the support and root for the replacement tooth. Implants go through a process known as osseointegration with the jaw, which involves the bone and the implant fusing together. It is placed during a scheduled surgery and is one of the first steps of the implant dentistry restoration process.
A dental abutment is a connector piece for the implant and dental restoration. It is also a screw-like piece that attaches to the dental implant. Abutments can be made of different materials, but they are most commonly made of titanium (the same as an implant). The abutment is an important piece to ensure strong support for the replacement tooth (or teeth). An abutment is attached to each dental implant, so multiple abutment attachments are required for a bridge or denture. Abutments are placed after the mouth heals from dental implant placement surgery.
The last part that is used in the implant dentistry procedure is the dental restoration. A restoration would be a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the number of teeth that are being replaced. For single tooth replacement, a crown is used, whereas a bridge (partial denture) or complete denture is used for replacing multiple missing teeth. These restorations are typically made of ceramic and have an identical appearance to natural teeth.
A bone graft procedure is sometimes required before the placement of dental implants particularly if the patient has experienced bone loss due to bone atrophy following tooth loss or as a result of periodontal disease. This helps build the jawbone to ensure an adequate level of support for dental implants.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in Albuquerque, NM
If you are not entirely happy with your smile due to a missing tooth (or multiple missing teeth), then you may benefit by visiting an implant dentist and learning more about your tooth replacement treatment options with implant dentistry. Do not hesitate to contact us by giving us a call today if you have questions or are ready to schedule a visit.
Request an appointment or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at 505-821-6119 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Implant dentistry uses dental implants to serve as the support for replacement teeth. The process involves a minor surgical procedure to place the implants. Although the risks are minimal, it can take some time for the mouth to fully heal and for the dental implants to fuse together with the jawbone after the implant dentistry…
Implant dentistry offers durable and natural-looking solutions for tooth loss. Read on to learn more about dental implant restorations. These titanium-based prosthetic tooth roots are implanted directly into the jawbone to offer a solid link to a dental prosthesis, such as crowns or a dental bridge. Dental implants can only be placed successfully if the…
Implant dentistry is a popular form of teeth replacement due to its advantages over alternative options such as removable dentures and fixed bridges. Although dental implants are not at risk of decay, protecting natural teeth from decay remains crucial in keeping an attractive and healthy smile.You can protect your natural teeth and implant dentistry restorations…
An emergency dentistry treatment can help correct sudden dental issues. Most dentists can even provide a permanent solution that will enable you to keep your tooth and prevent the problem from occurring again. If you want to know how emergency dentistry can help elevate your dental health, here are the details.A mild toothache may seem…
A tooth abscess is an infection that begins in the mouth and can spread to other body regions. Gum disease and tooth decay are often the outsets of a spot. A tooth abscess is much more likely in those with poor oral hygiene habits. Anyone experiencing the condition should visit the emergency dentistry office as…