Dental Implant Parts
For decades, dental implants have been used for patients who are missing one or more teeth. Implants are a permanent, natural-looking alternative to a denture or bridge. As implants have gained popularity in recent years, many patients are interested in implant surgery, however they want to better understand the procedure and parts of an implant which make the treatment successful.
This article will review the three main components of a dental implant and how each component works. The three separate parts of an implant include the fixture or body, the abutment, and the prosthesis or crown. The body is typically created from titanium material, which is an expensive material used to create racing cars. Titanium is used for a dental implants for the light weight and strong durability. It is also biocompatible, meaning it is extremely uncommon for the body to reject the material.
1. Fixture
The actual implant, which is called the body or fixture, is a small, screw-shaped device which is placed below the gums and into the bone.
The dentist or surgeon will drill a small hole where the missing tooth is located, the fixture is then surgically placed directly in the jawbone. The fixture acts as the root for the implant. While the area is healing, the fixture fuses to the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration and allows the implant to be permanently secured in the mouth.
Implant fixtures are often created using titanium. Titanium is a durable, lightweight metal which the human body rarely rejects. By using the correct materials, there is a higher rate of a successful osseointegration and lower rate of corrosion.
2. Abutment
As the actual fixture is placed below the gumline, an extension piece must be attached in order to connect the prosthesis or false tooth. This connector piece, which is called an abutment, is a short, screw-like device which extends to or above the gumline and supports the prosthesis. It can be created from a metal or a tooth-colored material. In some cases it is a separate component from the fixture, but it can also be a combined unit.
When a separate abutment is used, it is not usually attached until osseointegration has taken place. This ensures the fixture has adequate time to fully heal. In some cases, the dentist may choose to place the fixture, abutment and a temporary crown at once.
3. Prosthesis
The prosthesis is the portion of the dental implant which appears and functions like a natural tooth. The false tooth can be made from a variety of materials including porcelain or ceramic. It is typically either screwed into place or cemented to the abutment.
Each component of the dental implant is strategically designed to be extremely strong and durable. When properly cared for, this allows the implant to last a lifetime. The prosthesis and fixture appear and function just like a natural tooth, which allows patients to eat, talk and clean the implant without special precautions. Many dentists prefer the use of dental implants over other options based on the permanence and convenience of the implant components.
Contact your dentist today and schedule an appointment to discuss if you may be a good candidate for dental implants.