The surge in the success of dental implants to replace missing teeth has allowed millions of people to restore their smiles. The advantages of restoring missing teeth with implants include improving appearance, better speech, more comfort, enhancing self-esteem, and eating a regular diet. While most people use the word implant to describe the natural-appearing replacement tooth, several components serve essential roles in the success of your implant. Today, we’ll take a closer look at dental implant abutments.
Learn more below, and schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small post that replaces a tooth’s root. Titanium or titanium alloy is used to make most dental implants due to titanium’s high biocompatibility and low occurrence of allergy. Dental implants are surgically and precisely placed in the jawbone below the gumline. A process called osseointegration then bonds the surrounding bone to the implant. Fusion of the implant to the bone helps preserve the bone and prevent any future bone loss.
What is a Dental Crown?
The last step in the implant process is the placement of a dental crown on the implant. In most cases, this occurs after a time that allows healing and fusion of the bone to the implant. The dental crown restores the missing tooth’s appearance and function in chewing, speaking, and providing support for facial muscles. The crown is custom made of metal, ceramic, or a combination of the two.
What is a Dental Implant Abutment?
A dental implant abutment is different than a dental bridge abutment. Bridge abutments are the teeth or implants found on either side of the gap left after tooth extraction. These abutments provide support for the bridge that replaces your missing tooth with an artificial replacement tooth.
A dental implant abutment connects the implant located in your jaw with the crown. The abutment is usually made of titanium, but other materials such as gold, stainless steel, and zirconia are used. Zirconia abutments offer the advantages of being designed by CAD/CAM technology and offering a more esthetic option that matches the color of the final crown.
What is a Healing Abutment?
Before placement of the dental implant abutment, you may benefit from a healing abutment. This abutment is temporary and helps stimulate gum and bone formation for optimal healing around your implant. The healing abutment also helps prevent plaque and food debris accumulation around the implant.
How is a Dental Implant Abutment Placed?
Abutment placement takes place once the bone has fused sufficiently with the implant. In most cases, gum tissue has grown over the implant by the time of abutment placement. A minor surgical procedure using a local dental anesthetic removes this gum tissue and uncovers the implant. After the gums heal from this procedure, the steps to make the final restoration begin with making impressions or molds of your teeth for a custom fit of your new crown.
How Can I Care for My Dental Implant?
Each step of the implant process requires precision for ultimate success. However, you play a crucial role in keeping your implant for the rest of your life. The steps you can take include:
· Practice exceptional oral hygiene every day. Once you have a dental implant, oral hygiene becomes more important than ever. Although dental caries won’t be a concern, keeping your gums in pristine health is essential. Brushing, flossing, and using any mouth rinses recommended by [Client Name] can help you avoid implant complications and possible loss.
· Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. These appointments help ensure your implant stays healthy and functions properly. Dental x-rays are also important to detect any minor changes in the bone around your implant.
· Protect your teeth from damaging habits. If you grind or clench your teeth, wear a professionally made custom mouthguard. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or any hard non-food items such as ink pens.
· Eat a healthy and nutritious diet. You gums, bone, and teeth benefit from a well-balanced intake of all essential nutrients every day.
Book an Appointment
Dental implants can change your life dramatically. Call Trident General Dentistry today for a consultation to discuss how you can benefit from dental implants.