Missing teeth can severely disrupt the aesthetics, function, and health of your smile. Your dentist can replace one, several, or an entire arch of lost teeth with a dental implant.
This fixed device will offer twenty years or more of restorative dental benefits to qualified, healthy patients. And the implant resists staining and decay for more enduring results.
Though highly effective and advantageous, some patients can feel nervous about receiving new devices in their mouths. You can feel more comfortable when you know more about the components of this implant. Read on to learn more about the three parts that make up a dental implant appliance.
Implanted Anchor
Once you and your dentist determine implant dentistry is right for your smile, your dentist will perform oral surgery to place the first part of the implant in your mouth. They put a titanium post anchor into the jaw which will fuse with the bone there to create the ultimate support for the rest of the appliance.
The fusion and surgery recovery process can take several months to complete. But once finished, this reliable foundation ensures permanent stability for the fixed appliance. The dentist can place one, two, four, or more anchors within one surgery – as many as required for your specific type of implant.
The anchor also serves as a replacement for the missing root of the tooth below the gumline. Removable dentures only replace teeth above the gumline, so you can receive more restorative benefits with implant dentistry this way.
You might feel sore as you heal from this first step of the implant procedure, but your dentist will give you pain management advice. If you feel severe pain not handled by these tips or the implant feels loose, then the device might be failing. Call your dentist right away.
Abutment
The abutment refers to a small metal piece that screws onto the top of the anchor of a dental implant. It appears just above the gumline and serves as a connective fixture between the anchor and the prosthetic teeth.
With the aid of the abutment, the dental prosthetics can fit securely into place for an extended period of time. You will not have to worry about the appliance slipping out of place at an inopportune moment like you would with removable tooth replacement options.
Prosthetic Teeth
After you heal and the anchor fusion process is complete, you will return to your dentist’s office to receive custom dental prosthetics. You can have a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on your unique tooth replacement needs.
The dentist attaches the prosthetic teeth to the abutment piece, locking them into place. Only a dentist can remove them from the mouth after this point. They will check your bite to ensure the new fixtures do not disrupt your oral function.
The prosthetics will last for twenty years or longer and resist staining for long-lasting smile enhancement. Consult your dentist about any questions or concerns with the look or fit of these appliances.