People today have more options than ever when it comes to replacing missing teeth and filling gaps in their smile. However, no option can match the strength and benefits of dental implants.
Implants are perhaps the healthiest and most reliable option for replacing teeth. Dentures can be uncomfortable to wear and require special daily cleaning processes. Bridges are more comfortable but rely on crowns cemented onto neighboring teeth. These teeth, which may otherwise be perfectly healthy, must be shaved down to accommodate the crowns – a procedure which cannot be reversed.
Dental implants offer an alternative to these methods, but not all patients realize that a complete implant-supported restoration consists of multiple parts that work together give you a life-like tooth that promotes long-term jaw health.
The Implant
The implant itself is a biocompatible titanium post that somewhat resembles a screw. This post is implanted directly into the jaw, where it fuses to the bone after a four-month healing period.
This implant performs the same functions as a natural tooth’s root, keeping a prosthetic crown stable and stimulating the jawbone to prevent accelerated bone resorption.
The Abutment
The abutment is simply a connective piece that fits over the top of the implant post. This creates a sturdy base on which to place the actual restoration.
Abutments are fairly standardized, but custom abutments can be made to fit any unique dental situation. For instance, if an implant has to be placed at an angle, an abutment can be made that attaches to it and still aligns with the rest of your teeth.
The Restoration
Restorations are the prosthetic replacement teeth placed on the abutment, called so because they restore the smile. These beautiful prosthetics are designed to look just like real teeth and are custom-made to match the color and contour of your surrounding dentition.
All put together, these three little pieces of dental masterwork create a new tooth that returns the full strength of your bite without sacrificing comfort and reliability.
The office of Matthew B. Harrison, DDS, offers implant dentistry to replace gaps in the smile. For more information, contact our Rogers practice today to schedule a visit with our friendly team.