Dental implants are a permanent solution to replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants are more like natural teeth. A dental restoration secured with teeth implants typically comprises three parts: the implant posts, the abutments, and a dental restoration. Rebol Family Dentistry in Ashville, NC uses this tooth replacement solution for patients missing one, many, a whole arch of teeth, or all of their teeth.
Parts of a Dental Implant
Implant Fixture
An implant fixture is the first part that your dentist will place. The piece will provide a strong base to support a dental restoration. Most dentists use titanium implants. This type of metal will fuse with human bone and is very strong. An implant fixture looks similar to a screw. They are available in many sizes to accommodate the different locations along the jawline.
Your dentist must place this fixture in the jaw bone via a surgical procedure. It takes a few months for it to fuse with human bone. At this point, it will replace the teeth’s root system and support your new teeth. It is the only solution that will prevent bone loss. You will need anywhere from one to eight dental implants per arch. It depends on how many teeth you are missing and what dental restoration your dentist is placing.
Abutment
A small piece called an abutment is the next part that we will place. It is also made of metal. There are many types available depending on the restoration you are getting. With a two-stage abutment, we secure it to the implant once it has fully fused with the bone. Your dentist must make a small incision in your gums to secure it to the implant. You will need an additional few weeks to heal from that surgery before we can place the final restoration.
There are also one-stage dental implants with an already attached abutment. This type is called a healing abutment. When the final restoration is ready to be secured, your dentist will simply switch the healthy abutment out with the permanent one.
Dental Restoration
The last part is your new teeth! Your dentist will secure the custom dental prosthesis to replace missing teeth. The type of restoration you get depends on how many teeth you miss. These are custom-made to fit perfectly in your mouth, look natural, and blend in with the rest of your teeth.
- Dental Crown – your dentist will replace a single tooth with one dental implant and crown.
- Dental Bridge – your dentist will replace several consecutive missing teeth with at least two dental implants and a dental bridge.
- Denture – your dentist will replace an entire arch of missing teeth with two to eight dental implants and a denture.
Book a consultation today at our Asheville, NC dentist office to learn more about the parts of a dental implant. You can schedule an appointment online by filling out the form. We look forward to showing you why dental implants are the number one solution for missing teeth.