Implant Abutment
An implant abutment is an important part of the dental implant, one of the most popular and durable forms of tooth replacement available today. Now in their third decade of use, dental implants are widely used and preferred by dentists and patients alike for their unrivaled strength, durability, and attractive appearance. When properly installed and cared for, a dental implant can be a lifelong investment that blends seamlessly into a previously gap-toothed smile.
What is an implant abutment?
In relation to the other two parts of a dental implant, the abutment is the connecting piece that transfers the force of biting and chewing of the implant crown to the structural support of the implant fixture. Because the implant fixture operates under the gumline, embedded into the jawbone, the abutment is needed to connect to the part of the implant – the crown – that remains above the gumline. After the implant fixture is placed and the tissues are allowed to heal around it, the abutment is attached to the top of the implant fixture so that it can then be connected to the bottom of the implant crown or prosthetic tooth. While it is a largely unseen piece that may seem unimportant, it in fact is a key player in absorbing and transferring surprising amounts of force. For this reason, care must be taken in both crafting and choosing implant abutments.
What kinds of implant abutments are available?
Implant abutments are typically made out of either titanium or zirconium, though other metals and alloys can be used. They can be either custom-made to fit the existing anatomy of a patient’s mouth or prefabricated, a choice that effects the overall price of the abutment. The decision to use a custom-made or prefabricated implant abutment is one that should be made in close consultation with your dentist, who will be able to give advice based on their knowledge of your individual case. While you might think that custom-made is always better, many times a prefabricated abutment can work just as well, particularly if it is not going to be located in a highly visible area in the mouth.
What else is there to know about implant abutments?
One final consideration to be explored in choosing an implant abutment for an implant crown is removability. Implant abutments can facilitate either fixed or removable implant crowns, depending on your own preferences surrounding your ability to remove your prosthetic tooth. While many prefer not to have to remove their tooth and there is no real need to do so, some like the peace of mind of knowing that they can easily remove it if it is ever broken and needs to be repaired or replaced. With a fixed implant crown, the repair or replacement would have to be done with the crown in place, just as one would repair a crack or break in a natural tooth.
In addition to supporting single implant crowns, dental implants can also support implant retained or supported dentures. These offer a good alternative to conventional dentures that can be bulky or uncomfortable in the mouth. For more information on how dental implants could solve your dental needs, call our office today for an individualized consultation.