Here at Georgian Shores Dental Centre, one of the common procedures we perform is placing dental implants for our patients. Dental implants are an alternative to dentures or bridges, but making the choice between your tooth replacement options is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. To help you better understand how implants work and what they look like once they’ve been placed, we’ve outlined the basic anatomy of a dental implant below.
- The Implant Screw – Also called the implant fixture, this piece is the foundation of dental implants. It is commonly made from a sturdy, biocompatible material like titanium, and it is surgically inserted into the jawbone to hold the implant in place. The implant screw acts like an artificial root and gives the entire implant a firm, stable foundation.
- Abutment(s) – The abutment is the part of dental implants that attaches to the implant screw and serves as a platform that the dentist can mount the dental crown to. It is placed above the gumline, but once you have fully healed, it should not be visible. Abutments can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, depending on your unique needs.
- Dental Crown – This is the final part of a dental implant, and it is what you will see once everything has healed. Most implants have crowns made from porcelain or ceramic material, which mimics the appearance of your natural teeth, and they are custom-made, so they fit your mouth and are comfortable and attractive. The crown will serve as a replacement for your natural tooth, both aesthetically and functionally, and should be virtually indiscernible from the rest of your teeth once the implant site has healed.
If you have questions about dental implants and whether or not they’re the right fit for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.