Dental implants have been used for decades as a permanent, natural-looking alternative to dentures and bridges. Many patients are interested in implant surgery but first want to learn more about the process and the parts that work together to make the procedure a success.
If you’re wondering what the components of a dental implant are, we are here to help. This guide discusses the three main parts of a dental implant and how they all work to create a smile that will last for a lifetime.
1. Fixture
The implant itself — known as the fixture — is a small, screw-shaped structure placed under the gums.
After a surgeon drills a small hole where your missing tooth’s roots once were, the fixture is surgically placed in the jawbone, acting as your implant’s “roots.” During the healing process, the fixture fuses with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration, which allows the implant to reside in your mouth permanently.
The implant fixture is commonly made with titanium, a metal known to be well-accepted by the human body. The right materials increase the chances of successful osseointegration without risking corrosion.
2. Abutment
Because the fixture itself lies entirely under the gumline, an extender must be placed to attach it to the false tooth. This connector — called the abutment — is a short, stumpy screw that extends at or directly above the gumline to support the tooth replacement. It can either be made from metal or a tooth-colored material and can either be separate from the fixture or a single integrated unit.
A separate abutment is typically not attached until after osseointegration has occurred so that the fixture has enough time to heal and settle. However, some dentists choose to place the fixture, abutment and a temporary restoration at the same time.
3. Prosthesis
The prosthesis is the part of a dental implant that looks and functions exactly like a real tooth. It can be made from a variety of materials such as porcelain or ceramic, and it can either be screwed into place or cemented on the abutment.
Each piece of a dental implant is designed for superior strength and durability, allowing you to enjoy your results for a lifetime if properly cared for. Because the prosthesis and fixture function like a real tooth and roots, you can eat, talk and perform your regular oral hygiene routine without the need to take out or replace your false teeth. Many doctors favor dental implants due to the permanence and convenience of its components.
Choose the Right Parts for Your Dental Implant
Choosing the safest and most durable parts for your dental implant is an essential step in creating long-lasting results you can love. With innovative, high-quality designs that are manufactured under the strictest quality control standards, Hiossen® Implants are a top choice for many dental practitioners and their patients.
Contact us today for more information about our array of dental implant products and services, or find your nearest Hiossen representative using our zip code tool.
