Dental implants have improved the eating, speaking, and esthetics of people who lack teeth in their mouths. The best part is that the success rate of implants is above 97% (for 10 years). That’s why it’s important to learn about the major parts of implants in dentistry. In this article, we will discuss those parts in detail.
Dental implants have 3 major parts which include;
A fixture or a screw is a replica of a tooth’s root made up of biocompatible material. It has to be placed within the upper or lower jawbone. The gum covering the bone has to be separated, and then it is placed. The most common material used is titanium.
Implant fixtures come in various sizes and diameters. Small, sleek, and slender ones are used as replacements for anterior teeth roots. However, for posterior bulky teeth, stronger and larger ones are used. Most commonly, its length is 18mm. A conventional dental implant screw is hollow from the center so that the abutment can be smoothly placed in it.
Osseointegration refers to the integration of implant screws within the jawbone. It is a factor upon which the success of all parts of implants in dentistry depends. It forms a solid basis for the dental crown and abutment to survive and bear the loads of chewing food.
If osseointegration fails for any reason, the implant might fail due to loosening.
Titanium is one of the most promising metals used for implants because it is biocompatible with bone and gums. It improves the process of osseointegration. It is wear-resistant and can bear mastication loads (chewing food). Implant fractures are rare owing to the fantastic strength of implant screws made of titanium.
Another part of implants in dentistry is abutment. Usually, the screws are hollow from within, in which the abutment can be screwed in. The primary function is to form a strong and load-resistant bond between the prosthetic crown and the underlying screw.
The abutment is generally attached later at the time of crown placement so that the screw can conveniently osseointegrate. Abutment placement occurs typically after 4 to 6 months of implant screw placement.
There are different types of abutments.
Stock Abutments are prefabricated abutments available in multiple sizes. They are commonly used for posterior teeth where aesthetics is not a major concern. These abutments are cheaper.
This is yet another of the parts of the implant in dentistry. These abutments are custom-made according to the shape of the teeth, gums and other oral tissues. These abutments are preferred when implants are replacing anterior teeth. In short, the areas where aesthetics and function are highly important. Custom abutments are comparatively expensive.
As the name suggests, these abutments are temporarily placed within the gum to accelerate the healing process of the gums surrounding the implant. It prepares the oral tissues to receive the permanent abutment for crown placement once the healing and osseointegration are complete. It modifies the shape of the gums accordingly.
As the name suggests, these abutments are temporarily placed within the gum to accelerate the healing process of the gums surrounding the implant. It prepares the oral tissues to receive the permanent abutment for crown placement once the healing and osseointegration are complete. It modifies the shape of the gums accordingly.
Angled abutments are placed to orient the angle of the prosthetic crown or tooth when the implant is not placed in its ideal upright position. As the name suggests, these are used when the implant fixture is placed at an angle due to bone condition or other factors.
Zirconia is the most aesthetic material, the nearest replica of natural teeth. Moreover, it is biocompatible and has good strength as well. It is preferable to use zirconia Abutments in the anterior region specifically when the patient has thin gum.
If a metal abutment is used in such a situation, it would show and look bad. Their exceptional qualities come with a price, as these are expensive.
Titanium abutments are known for their immense durability and strength. Unlike zirconia abutments, titanium ones are generally placed in posterior teeth. Most likely, implants that replace molars must be strong enough to withstand masticatory forces. These are usually cheaper than zirconia abutments.
Over the implant screw, a dental prosthesis is placed. It replaces the white tooth crown we see in the mouth. Together, these 3 parts of implants in dentistry replace a tooth (crown and root).
A dental prosthesis can be a crown, bridge or a denture. The choice is made according to the requirement of the mouth, bone condition, and patient affordability.
A dental crown is attached to the abutment. It can either be screwed or cemented. It is used when the implant is replacing a single tooth. It can be made of:
Metal crowns are cheaper, ceramic crowns are aesthetic and comparatively expensive than metal ones. Their strength is good. However, zirconia crowns are the most costly and aesthetic. The material is very much similar to a natural tooth’s color. Choosing a suitable material will add years to the life of the implant.
A dental bridge can be supported either by two teeth on its left and right to cover the tooth-less area between them. However, implants have revolutionized this concept. Two implants can be placed, and a bridge can be attached. This way, the teeth can be replaced, and surrounding teeth are not trimmed.
A complete denture is made in entirely edentulous patients (patients with no teeth in their mouth). It rests upon the gums, and after years of usage, the gum recedes with consequent bone loss as well.
However, now we have the option of denture implants in which implants are placed in the jaws of the patient. This is followed by placing a denture upon the implants, which will support it.
This leads to comparatively less bone loss. Porcelain teeth are generally used, attached to acrylic of gum-like color. This restores the smile, aesthetics and functions of the patient much better.
All the parts of implants in dentistry have been explained for your better understanding. A screw, abutment and dental prosthesis together replace the tooth’s aesthetics and functions.
You can get implants in Paramus Park, NJ. Book your appointment today with the dental implant experts in Paramus Park, NJ, at Paramus Park Oral Surgery.