If you’re interested in choosing dental implants to replace missing or failing teeth, you likely already know that they are the gold standard when it comes to tooth replacement solutions. However, many patients don’t fully understand why or how dental implants do what they do. Having this knowledge will further help you make an informed decision and can often help patients care for their implants in the future.
The Implant Post: Holding Your New Teeth in Place
The first part of the dental implant is the implant post itself. This is a small screw-like post that is inserted into the jaw bone. While most implants have a very small diameter, this implant post is responsible for holding the rest of the new tooth in place. Additionally, the post will stimulate the jaw bone, encouraging continual growth and prevent resorption from happening.
The Dental Crown: What Makes an Implant a Tooth The dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the top of the dental implant. This piece is responsible for allowing patients to bite, chew, speak, and smile confidently. For many patients, this is the most important part, because it is what is shown above the gums and allows them to eat their favorite foods again. One of the best parts of this dental crown is that it is naturally stain resistant, meaning it won’t yellow or dull in color, and it is also resistant to developing cavities.
The Abutment: Connecting Everything Together The abutment is the often overlooked piece of a dental implant. This part is not visible in the smile, but it does sit just above the gum line. The abutment connects the dental crown to the implant post with a strong and firm hold. If, for any reason, a dental crown needs to be changed or replaced, it can be removed from the abutment and a new one attached without harming the implant post.
Discover Other Dental Implant Options While those three pieces are the key components of a dental implant, there are a wide range of other options available as well. For instance, patients who need to replace all their teeth can choose full arch dental implants and utilize as few as four implant posts to attach to a bridge of new teeth. Other patients may want to stabilize a denture with implants and choose implant supported dentures. No matter your choice, with dental implants you are sure to get a long-lasting, stable, and attractive new smile!
Schedule Your Consultation
Discuss dental implants and fill the gaps in your smile! Schedule a consultation with your local dentist to get relief!
