A dental implant is a surgical component that is placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. To understand why a dental implant is a gold standard in teeth replacement, we should take a closer look at its parts.
A dental implant is made up of 3 parts – the fixture, the abutment, and the crown. The fixture is a titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone during surgery. The abutment is a connector piece that attaches the implant to the crown. The crown is the visible part of the tooth replacement and can be made from porcelain, metal, or ceramic.
The fixture
This is the component that is placed in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth. A fixture is an artificial tooth root made of titanium. It is surgically placed into the jawbone and fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration.
Of the three parts, only the fixture becomes a permanent part of the month. It takes between 4 to 6 months for this process to complete. Once the osseointegration is complete, the fixture acts as a support for the artificial tooth.
Fixtures come in different sizes depending on the size of the tooth. They also come in different shapes depending on their purpose. For example, there are tapered and cylindrical fixtures. Tapered fixtures are used for single tooth replacement while cylindrical ones are used for multiple teeth replacements.
The abutment
The abutment is the connector piece that joins the implant to the artificial tooth. One side is used to connect to the implant, and the other side connects to the artificial tooth. It is placed on top of the implant and protrudes from the gum line.
The abutment is made is metal, ceramic, or plastic and is placed only after osseointegration is complete. This is because the abutment needs a stable foundation to be placed on. The abutment is used to support the artificial tooth and can be used for single or multiple replacements.
Abutments can be placed at different angles. This is decided by the oral surgeon based on several factors such as the location of the tooth, the shape of the jawbone, and so on.
The artificial tooth
The artificial tooth is also called a crown. It is the only part of the dental implant that is visible and is matched to the color and shape of your natural teeth. The crown is attached to the abutment and covers it.
Crowns can be made of different materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal. The material used depends on several factors such as the location of the tooth, the strength required, and so on. For example, molars need to be stronger and are often made of metal.
Crowns can also be made entirely of porcelain or ceramic. These are called all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns. They are aesthetically pleasing and match the color of your natural teeth. However, they are not as strong as metal crowns and are more likely to break.
Get Dental Implants for One or More Missing Teeth
Now that you know the different parts of a dental implant, you can see why it is the best option for tooth replacement. If you are missing a tooth, or want to replace more than one, talk to your dentist about getting a dental implant.
At Jax Dental Implants, we offer single-tooth and full-mouth dental implants to help you get back your smile, chewing ability, and confidence. Contact us today for a consultation.
