Losing a tooth effects more than just a gap in your smile it effects your confidence, ability to chew, and possibly future dental health. With modern dentistry, we now have a well-established solution: dental implants which are functionally and visually the closest alternative to natural teeth. For a lot of patients this can seem intimidating as a surgical procedure, and some clients even ask us what the worst part of a dental implant is.
However, once we take a closer look at the different parts involved with a dental implant, it can help patients demystify the process and understand how one part works with another to contribute to long-term success. In this article we will identify the major parts of dental implants and explain how each component fits and works together to give patients a safe and strong, natural-looking smile.
The Three Core Components of a Dental Implant System
Every dental implant has three primary parts that work together to restore function and esthetics. By learning about the different parts of a dental implant, patients can better understand how modern dentistry restores smiles with function and structure.
Part 1: The Dental Implant Fixture (The “Root”)
At the core of any dental implant is the fixture, or implant post. This is the part that is hidden under the gums and holds everything in place.
- What it is: A screw-shaped post (also known as the implant body) that is surgically implanted into the jawbone.
- Material: Made of surgical-grade titanium for biocompatibility, though zirconia implants may be offered as a metal-free option.
Purpose:
- Serves as an artificial tooth root that integrates into the bone.
- Provides a stable foundation for the restoration.
- Stimulates bone by osseointegration (direct bonding of bone to implant), and reduces the risk of jawbone loss.
Key features:
- Osseointegration: The biological process that is defined as bone to implant bonding.
- Options: Implants come in different lengths, widths and surface features for different bone density and bone location.
- Placement: A surgical procedure done by an experienced implant dentist, though considered a minor procedure.
Part 2: The Abutment (The “Connector”)
The abutment is sitting above the gums, and it is the connection between the implant fixture that is being placed in the bone, and the crown restoration that people can see, without an abutment, the restoration could not be attached.
- What is it: The abutment is a small connecting piece that connects to the implant post and is partially above the gums.
- Material: Usually titanium or zirconia. Occasionally can be gold alloys, that are very durable.
What does it do:
- Connect the implant fixture to the final restoration (crown, bridge or denture).
- Shape gum tissue for a natural emergence profile around the new tooth.
Some important characteristics/types:
- Standard / Prefabricated Abutments; manufactured mostly in bulk to keep costs down.
- Custom Abutments; fabricated for the best fit for the bite, shape of the gums, and cosmetics (especially in the aesthetic area of the mouth).
- Healing Abutments; placed to help the gums heal into the desired shape before an actual crown is attached for the final restoration.
- Method of retention: Fixed/ restained with screws, cement, or the correct method to a successful treatment plan.
Part 3: The Dental Crown (The “Tooth”)
The last component of an implant is the crown, the visible tooth-like restoration, which restores the smile for the patient. This is what people see and use every day for chewing and speaking.
- What is it: A custom prosthetic tooth that is secured to the abutment.
Material:
- Porcelain/All-Ceramic: The most natural translucency, good for front teeth.
- Zirconia: Very strong and has decent aesthetics, most used for back teeth (molars).
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Combines strong metal and porcelain, good compromise between strength and aesthetics.
- Implant-Supported Bridges or Dentures: multiple crowns fixed together to restore multiple missing teeth.
Function:
- Restoring a normal ability to chew and speak.
- Completing the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
- Distributing biting forces evenly through the implant system.
Important Features/Retention Methods:
- Cement-Retained: Permanently cemented to the abutment leaving no visible screw access.
- Screw-Retained: Retained with a screw for easy retrieval, for the dentist, at the expense of a small visible access point.
How the Parts Work Together: The Harmony of a Dental Implant
It’s important to understand that dental implants are not merely individual components, but rather a complete system. The dental implant process requires components that complement one another to ensure the stability, longevity, and aesthetics of a natural tooth. The dental implant process focuses on 3 parts (the components of the dental implant); here are the steps:
- Synergy: Each part (fixture, abutment, and crown) contributes to the strength, longevity, and feel (natural tooth and tissue) of a dental implant.
Step by Step Transactions:
- Implant Fixture: The fixture or implant is surgically placed in the jaw bone, where it will undergo osseointegration.
- Abutment: The abutment is then connected to the fixture, which serves as a stable connector above the level of the gumline.
- Crown: The crown is attached to the abutment, and essentially completes the restoration with a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing tooth.
Long-Term Integration: As you can see, for the long-term success of a dental implant, all three parts must be integrated together as one system for both function and aesthetics.
Importance of Professional Expertise
While the device itself is important, the skill of your dental professional will have a significant impact regardless of the device – the practitioner is ultimately responsible for the outcome of a patient’s dental implant. Every smile is different, and not only is every implant unique to the patient, but the components selected are also unique. Consider the following important factors:
- Customization: Every implant system is customized (sometimes custom made), to the patient’s gum line, bite, and aesthetic desires.
- Surgically placed: To obtain osseointegration and stability, the implant fixture must be placed accurately.
- Choice of materials: The dentist will guide choice of materials (such as titanium, zirconia or a ceramic option) based on the location of the tooth, the pressure from the bite, and aesthetic desires.
All three components of a dental implant system must work together without any friction to accomplish the intended stability, function and appearance that looks natural. Dental implants are a complex solution intended to help with your oral health and appearance long term. If you are looking for dental implants, reach out to our expert team at Aesthetic Airways today for the ideal solution for your smile.