Implant Abutment
An implant abutment is the connecting piece between a dental implant and the implant crown. If you have been advised to receive a dental implant as treatment for a missing tooth, it is important to know what that entails. A dental implant is made up of three parts which include the actual implant, an abutment, and an implant crown or other implant restoration. Implants can be used to support dental bridges or full dentures as well as a single tooth.
Having dental implants placed is a long process so it is important to make sure that you are healthy and can endure placement surgery and any additional surgeries that you may require to get you to a healthy state, such as a bone graft. Your surgeon will evaluate the area to be treated to determine if you have sufficient bone structure. If you do not, they will place a bone graft that will have to heal before the implant can be placed. Once the implant is placed, you will need up to six months of healing time before the implant can be restored with the abutment and implant crown.
The dental implant is surgically placed into your jaw bone by an oral surgeon before your dentist uses an abutment to attach your restoration onto the implant. Implant abutments can be custom-made but are typically pre-fabricated and are made from titanium, stainless steel, or even zirconia. If your doctor wants to use a custom made abutment, the dental lab will fabricate it along with your implant crown. Zirconia abutments will match the implant crown in color but titanium and stainless steel are stronger options, with titanium being the most common due to its biocompatibility with the implant and the patient's body.
In the event that you have a multiple tooth implant restoration, a larger abutment can be used. The dental lab will fabricate the appropriate size abutment specifically for your dental implant restoration. There are also retainer-type abutments available to secure a snap in denture, or an implant retained denture.
At times, the implant may be placed at an angle for one reason or another. In these instances therefore your dentist will choose to use an angulated abutment to ensure that your dental prosthesis sits properly on your gum line.
Dental implants are a great way to restore missing teeth and renew your smile! If you have a significant number of missing teeth or are simply missing one tooth and would like to have it restored to a natural looking finish, speak with your dentist to see if dental implants might be right for you.