Are You Curious To Know About The Different Dental Implant Parts

parts of dental implants

Dental implants offer a permanent solution for damaged teeth. It’s always better to find a complete solution for toothache than to struggle with it. As the success rate of dental implant surgery is high it is advisable to do dental implant surgeries for a damaged tooth. Before undergoing surgery, it is good to know the different parts of the implant.

What Are The Main Parts Of A Dental Implant?

Usually, dental implants consist of three main parts 

  • Fixture (a screw or post)- It is considered as the replacement for the root of the tooth
  • Abutments – It is a link between the fixture and the abutment
  • Prosthesis (tooth restoration)- Acts as a replacement for the natural tooth. 

What Are The Functions Of Each Part?

The Fixture

The fixture, a tiny screw-like structure, is the underpinning part of a dental implant under the gum. It is fixed to the jaw bone to become a permanent part of your smile. The dentist drills a small hole in the position of the damaged tooth, and the screw is surgically fixed in the location to function as an implant root, similar to a tooth root. After healing, the fixture completely fuses with the jaw bone to act as a permanent part of the mouth. Titanium is used to make fixtures, and it has a cylindrical screw structure. The screw is often covered/ coated with a hydroxyapatite substance to make the osseointegration process fast. 

The Abutment

In simple terms, the abutment is a connector between the fixture and tooth restoration. As the fixture goes below the gum, an extender is used above it to place the prosthesis. Typically the abutment is fixed to the screw after the osseointegration process. There are different dental abutments depending on the purpose, like the abutments used for denture support and the abutments that fix the implant crowns. Even though the abutment is placed only after the osseointegration in the conventional methods, some dentists prefer to place the fixture, abutment, and tooth restoration at the same time. 

The Prosthesis

The Prosthesis is a replacement for your tooth; it is more like a fake tooth. It functions and looks similar to your natural tooth. It is the part placed above the abutment like a crown, denture, or bridge. It is made from ceramic or porcelain and various other materials. 

Each part of a dental implant is crafted with so much care to be superior in quality and durability. As the fixture and prosthesis act like a natural root and tooth, the cosmetic side is also fulfilled. Many health experts suggest dental implant as it helps to get the damaged tooth and all discomforts associated with it. 

How To Choose The Right Dental Implant Part For You?

Selecting the best part is the biggest step in your treatment because the quality and standard of the parts make the treatment successful. The experts always suggest choosing premium quality implant parts to increase the durability of the implants. 

What Are The Advantages Of Dental Implants Parts?

Each part has its importance when it comes to dental implants. The main advantages are

  • Enhanced Appearance: Dental implants act like your own teeth. It helps to improve your overall appearance. The Prosthesis just looks like your own teeth making you look good.  
  • Durability: The quality of the parts determines the durability of dental implants. Good and strong dental implant parts will help make the dental implant a permanent part in your mouth.
  • Easy to eat: If your denture slides, it’s not easy to eat and chew food comfortably. Instead, it makes you worried about eating, especially in public spaces. But dental implants will help you to overcome such issues. 
  • Increased confidence in speaking: Inappropriate dentures make the teeth slip while you talk and eat. It again creates a lack of confidence in patients. Again, dental implants can eliminate such issues.
  • Boost your self-esteem: Dental implant will help you smile confidently and help you feel good about yourself. 
  • Improvement in oral health: Finding a permanent solution to your damaged teeth will improve your oral health
  • Convenience: Compared to removable dentures, dental implants are comfortable in all ways. It helps you escape from the embarrassment caused by the removable dentures. 

When To Plan An Appointment With Your Restorative Dentist?

The success rate of dental implant surgery makes it clear that you don’t need to worry about dental implant failures much. However, it is not completely possible to rule out the chances of an implant failure after surgery. You should know to identify the signs of dental implant failure if it happens. Meet your dentist as soon as possible if any of the mentioned symptoms pops up.

  • Shark pain in the jaw area, especially around the implant
  • When your abutment is not tight enough and loose
  • A broken prosthesis or a loose prosthesis
  • When you feel uneasiness while biting or chewing 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the top part of the implant?

The topmost part of the implant is called the crown or prosthesis. It looks exactly like your natural tooth. 

How is the prosthesis attached to the abutment?

The prosthesis is screwed or cemented to the abutment by the dentist. 

How much time will it take for the gum to heal after the fixation of the abutment?

Usually, it takes around 4-6 weeks for the gum to heal, and your doctor will provide you with the details of food and the medication you are supposed to take during the period. 

How will I know if my abutment fixation is not proper?

If there are any issues with the abutment fixation, you will get evident signs such as sharp pain in the jaw, bleeding, and high fever. In case of any such symptoms, meet your doctor immediately. 

Is abutment fixation a painful procedure?

The dentist needs to fix the abutment to the screw/ fixture. For that, the dentist will reopen your gum to expose the implant fixture. The process is relatively less painful than implantation. 

How long will it take to complete the abutment surgery?

Usually, it takes around 1-2 hours to complete the procedure. However, your surgeon may take more time in case of complicated situations.

How do you take care of the hygiene of the abutment?

Taking care of the abutment will speed up the healing process. You should clean the abutment carefully with a soft brush without causing much pressure on the abutment. If you use an electric brush, turn off the motor while cleaning the healing abutment.

Does a dental implant screw or post-fall out?

Usually, after proper fixation of the screw, it becomes a permanent part of your mouth. But on rare occasions, it may fall out due to various reasons. 

What are the reasons for dental implant screw fallouts?

The major reasons are bacterial infection, dental implant fracture, and defects in surgery. 

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last for a long period, even forever, if you give proper care. Selecting quality dental implant parts is crucial in determining the implant’s durability. You should also consult your dentist as prescribed without fail. Oral health care should be seriously taken. 

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