Dental implants have been lauded for the many benefits they offer dental patients who have suffered tooth loss. Not only can dental implants replace a missing tooth, but they can also help prevent the complications that stem from tooth loss such as the domino effect and jawbone density loss. But what makes a dental implant so special? The answer lies in the parts that make up the whole. Read below as Dr. Deborha Staten takes a closer look at the parts of a dental implant.
A Dental Implant’s Three Pieces
A dental implant is made up of three main parts: the post, the prosthetic, and the abutment. The first of these parts, the post, is also the first piece to be placed during a restoration. In fact, the post may be placed as early as six months before the other two parts. This span of time is typically necessary in order for a process called osseointegration to occur. Osseointegration is the fusion of the titanium post of the implant with the jawbone, and it is very important to the success of the restoration.
The post acts as an anchor for the prosthetic, so it must be secure and unmoving in the jawbone. Additionally, the post plays a very important role in the implant’s other benefits. The body recognizes it as a tooth’s root, prompting the body to restore the flow of nutrients to the area that was previously vacated by the lost tooth. By restoring the nutrient flow, the nearby teeth are less likely to suffer from malnutrition, meaning that the tooth-loss complication called the domino effect is less likely. Additionally, the post will also transmit stimulating forces to the bone cells in the jawbone once the prosthetic is attached, improving bone density.
The second part of the dental implant, the prosthetic, can vary depending upon the restoration. For the replacement of a single tooth, the prosthetic is a single dental crown. However, for a multiple-tooth restoration, it can be a partial denture. Dental implants can also act to stabilize dentures, preventing the dentures from sliding and improving their comfort.
The final part of the dental implant, the abutment, is a kind of connecting piece. Its function is to attach the prosthetic to the post. Its sturdiness provides a solid attachment and prevents the prosthetic from moving or twisting.
Schedule a Visit with Your Implant Dentist
Has tooth loss created a gap in your smile? Contact Dr. Staten today by calling our office at 702-736-7979.
