Dental implants are considered the best option to replace missing teeth. This is because they secure the prosthesis better than traditional methods. They can be customized to meet the needs of all patients, no matter how many teeth they are missing. An implant-secured dental restoration is comprised of three parts that function together to mimic natural teeth. Dr. Jessica Christy is an expert restorative dentist in Hendersonville, NC. She offers affordable implant solutions for patients that suffer from tooth loss.
Parts of Dental Implants
Implant Post
This part of a dental implant restoration is what makes it unique. The implant post resembles a screw and is surgically inserted in the jaw bone. Most implant posts are made of titanium, a strong metal that is used often inside the human body. Once it is in place, it will eventually fuse with the surrounding bone.
This titanium post is used as the main support for the new teeth. It will hold a dental restoration in place better than other methods. It will also act as a tooth root. The implant post will provide stimulation for the jawbone, which will prevent bone loss. Other teeth replacement solutions will not stop the jawbone from deteriorating.
Abutment
The abutment is a small metal piece that is attached to the implant post. Once the implant posts are in place, a healing abutment is immediately attached. It helps the soft tissues heal properly. Once the healing time up, that abutment is replaced by a permanent abutment. This piece is responsible for securely connecting the dental prosthesis to the implant.
There is a huge range of abutments available. This is because different prostheses require different types of connections. An abutment used to help secure a dental crown is different from the kind needed to secure a denture.
Crown, Bridge, or Denture
The permanent dental prosthesis is the last part to be attached and will replace the actual missing tooth or teeth. They are custom made from x-rays, impressions, and measurements taken from your mouth. Depending on how many teeth you are missing, you can have dental crown, dental bridge, or a denture secured. Your dental prosthesis will look and work just like natural teeth.
- Dental Crown: used to replace one tooth and requires one dental implant.
- Dental Bridge: used to replace several missing teeth in a row and needs at least two dental implants to secure it.
- Denture: used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Your dentist can use between four and eight dental implants to secure it.
An implant supported prosthesis is the best way to replace your missing tooth or teeth. Dr. Christy will determine if you qualify for dental implants and will create a treatment plan for you after a thorough evaluation at her Hendersonville, NC dentist office.
If you qualify, we will begin treatment as soon as possible. This tooth replacement option functions the most like natural teeth with little restrictions. To get started on your dental implant treatment, call our office at (828) 247-7001. You can also request a dentist appointment by filling out our online request form.