Did you know that in 2017 an estimated 500,000 dental implant procedures were done in the U.S.? The popularity of implants is a testament to what an outstanding option they are for replacing missing teeth. As a dentist in McKinney, we can assure you that they offer a dramatically better experience than dentures for several reasons. Implants can last decades, or even a lifetime, and offer so much more stability and chewing power. Not to mention that they look more natural, too! If you think that this treatment might be right for you, you’ve probably started doing some initial research. In this blog, we’ll help you along with that process by describing the three different pieces of an implant and how they work together to provide an outstanding final result.
The Implant
When people think of a dental implant they usually envision the finished product, which looks like a regular tooth. Actually, an implant itself only refers to a titanium post that acts as the root of a missing tooth.
This post, or replacement root, is what gives an implant so much more strength and stability than dentures, which only replace the crowns of missing teeth and don’t include a root.
Placing the titanium post is the first step of the procedure and requires a small, in-office surgery. Since you would be completely numbed beforehand, you might be surprised at how easy this is!
Next, it will take 3-6 months for the post to integrate, or fuse, with your jawbone. Once this healing stage is over, you’ll be ready to have the other two parts of the implant completed: the abutment and crown.
The Abutment
You can think of the abutment as a type of adaptor, or connector, between the titanium post and the crown. It acts as a bridge between the two pieces and is what the crown will be attached to as the final step of the procedure.
The abutment is important because it keeps the crown in place and provides extra stability.
The Crown
The crown portion of the implant is very similar to any other dental crown you might get. Molds of your teeth will be sent to a lab where the crown will be custom-made. It can be made of porcelain, metal, or zirconia, and will be precisely matched in shape and color to the rest of your teeth, so it will look very natural.
If you’re missing teeth, dental implants in McKinney are an investment that can improve your quality of life for decades. And learning a bit more about the process is the first step!
About the Author
All of the dentists at Oakbrook Dental and Orthodontics are committed to providing outstanding restorative care, including dental implants, to all of their patients. For your convenience, you can have each aspect of the implant procedure completed under one roof! If you have any questions about the implant process, they can be reached via their website or at (469) 526-4040.