A dental implant is medical tool that dentists use to replace missing teeth. At LIFESmiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Boise, Idaho, our dentists utilize them to replace one, several, or an entire arch of missing teeth. This dental restoration is unlike other tooth replacement options. It is made up several parts that work in tandem to mimic real teeth. A typical dental implant restoration is made up of 3 parts; the implant post, the abutment, and a dental restoration.
Parts of a Dental Implant Dental
The Implant Fixture
The first part is the implant fixture and it provides the strong base for the dental restoration. They are available in several types of materials however titanium is the most popular. This is because titanium is light yet very strong and can fuse with human bone tissue. Implant fixtures look just like mini screws and a dentist must surgically insert them into the jaw bone. They come in variety of diameters and lengths to fit in the various locations along the jaw. Implants also replace the teethes root system. This is what sets them apart from other teeth replacement options. By acting as teeth roots, the implants will stimulate the bone and prevent bone loss in the jaw. You may need anywhere from one to eight implant fixtures per arch depending on how many teeth you are missing and the type of dental restoration you are getting.
The Abutment
The next part is a small piece called an abutment. The abutment is attached to the implant and will connect the implant to the dental prosthesis. Most abutments are made of metal. They are available in many different sizes and styles depending on the type restoration you are having placed. In most cases, the abutment is attached once the implant has fully fused to the bone, in about three to six months. This is called a two-stage implant. Your dentist will make a small incision to access the implant, attach the abutment, and then close it back up. It should only take an additional few weeks to heal.
With a one stage dental implant, the abutment is already attached to the dental implant. The abutment on the one stage implant is called a healing abutment. The dentist will simply replace it with a permanent one before attaching the new prosthesis.
The Dental Restoration
The last part is the actual dental prosthesis. This is the part that will replace the missing teeth. The type of dental restoration you need fully depends on how many teeth you are missing and where they are located. Your new, false teeth will be secured to the dental implants for natural appearance. Your Boise, ID dentist will design a new set of teeth or tooth that will blend in with your natural smile.
- Dental Crown – your dentist will replace a single tooth with one dental implant and a dental crown.
- Dental Bridge – your dentist will replace several consecutive missing teeth with at least two dental implants and a dental bridge.
- Denture – your dentist will replace an entire arch of missing teeth with anywhere from two to eight dental implants and a denture.
To learn more about the parts of a dental implant, please call us at (208) 254-6365 to book your dental implant consultation at our Boise, ID dentist office.