Dental Implant Parts
Dental implants are comprised of the following three parts.
Fixture
The first step in the dental implant process (provided you do not need to have a tooth extracted or other underlying condition addressed) is placement of the implant fixture. This titanium post will act as the root for your new implant crown. A small hole is drilled into your jawbone and the titanium post is placed. The reason titanium is used is because this material will naturally fuse with your surrounding jawbone over a period of months. Once the osseointegration process has completed and the post is secure, it will be strong enough to support the chewing forces of your new crown, which is attached to the fixture with a dental abutment. In addition to naturally fusing with your jawbone, titanium is also a very tough material and is the least likely component of your dental implant to require replacement or to fail, especially if proper oral hygiene habits are followed.
Abutment
An abutment is designed to connect the implant fixture and the implant crown and is typically made of titanium, Zirconia, stainless steel or gold. Ceramic abutments are also sometimes used, as they provide a more natural look, however they are not as strong as the other materials, so this material type is generally discouraged, especially if the tooth being replaced is in the posterior molar areas. The implant and the abutment are often joined together with a small screw that goes through the abutment’s center, which creates enough strength and stability for the implant to adequately bear the pressure and force that comes from biting and chewing.
The design of the abutment can vary depending on whether the patient is receiving a one, two, or three-piece dental implant. For one-piece implants, the implant and abutment are fused together, and the implant can be placed in one surgical procedure. In most cases, however, patients will receive a two- or three-piece implant. In a two-piece implant, the abutment is placed using a screw, cement, or is cold welded in order to decrease microbial leakage, which can cause the implant to fail. For three-piece implants, the abutment is typically fixed with a screw butt joint that is tightened with a torque wrench, resulting in greater stability and decreased chance of complications developing.
Implant Crown
An implant crown is fabricated to match the surrounding teeth and unique structure of the individual’s mouth. While this crown is being fabricated, you will be given a temporary crown to wear. While this temporary implant crown will not be as strong as your permanent implant crown, it will protect your implant, strengthen your jawbone, and reduce your risk of developing an infection until your permanent crown is ready to be placed. Once the implant crown has been designed, it will be positioned and tested for proper occlusion. Following this, the crown is bonded in place with cement. The implant crown can also be retained by a screw, but cement is usually preferred, as this approach reduces the risk of bacteria reaching beneath the crown