Ask an Implant Dentist – What Is an Abutment?

Ask an Implant Dentist - What Is an Abutment? from White Smile Center in Mobile, ALYour implant dentist may refer to a part of your dental implant restoration as an “abutment.” For many, this is a new term, and understanding what the implant dentist means can be helpful to feel more comfortable about what you can expect with the treatment process and your restoration.

Reviewing the role of an abutment in implant dentistry

A dental abutment is a connecting piece and an integral part of the dental implants process. This review discusses the role of an abutment in implant dentistry, in addition to a closer look at the other parts that make up a dental implant restoration, how you can care for the restoration, and more.

The different components of implant dentistry

There are three primary components to a dental implant restoration. These three components are the implant, the abutment, and the replacement tooth (or replacement teeth). Each part of the restoration serves a unique purpose. The implant, which is a titanium post that is surgically fixed into the jaw, is placed first. Once the mouth heals, then the abutment(s) and the restoration (either a crown, bridge, or denture) are placed.

A detailed look at the dental abutment with dental implant restorations

A dental abutment is an often overlooked component of the dental implant restoration process. The abutment serves as a connector piece for the dental implant and the restoration. The abutment, much like the implant, is typically composed of a silver metal material. Also like the implant, the abutment is not visible while the patient smiles.

How long the implant dentistry process takes

The implant dentist process timeline varies for every patient. This is because some patients require some procedures that others do not, such as a bone graft procedure. Implant dentistry patients should expect the treatment process to take anywhere from four months to more than eight, and it is important to have realistic expectations and remain patient.

Why should I choose implant dentistry?

Implant dentistry is a great way to restore your smile after losing one or more teeth. It offers a range of benefits that alternative solutions such as removable dentures or fixed bridges do not, such as the ability to preserve the dentistry in the jawbone or last for more than twenty years.

Caring for your abutment and dental implant restoration

You can care for your dental implant restoration the same as you do your natural teeth. This most notably includes keeping the restoration (as well as the rest of the mouth) as clean as possible through good and consistent oral hygiene practices.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in Mobile, AL

Find out more about implant dentistry from our dental team

The implant dentistry process can seem intimidating at first for many patients, but you can help ensure you have minimal anxiety and nerves about the process by choosing an implant dentist that can guide you through every step. Here at our dental practice, we can do exactly that. Contact us today to schedule a visit at a time that is convenient for you.

Request an appointment or call White Smile Center at 251-800-9148 for an appointment in our Mobile office.

Recent Posts

An Implant Dentist Explains Why The Procedure Is Popular

An implant dentist is a dental professional that offers dental implant restorations. Implant dentists often recommend dental implant restorations because of the benefits they offer that alternative solutions such as fixed bridges and removable dentures cannot provide.To help you decide if treatment may be right for you, this review discusses why implant restorations are so…

An Implant Dentist Explains The Parts Used In The Procedure

If you are considering implant dentistry or are about to go through the process and want to learn more about it, it is helpful to first understand the basics. Here, we will discuss the various parts that make up an implant dentistry restoration and highlight how they all work together to complete the restoration.An implant…

Implant Dentistry And The Importance Of Healthy Gums

Implant dentistry offers durable and natural-looking solutions for tooth loss. Read on to learn more about dental implant restorations. These titanium-based prosthetic tooth roots are implanted directly into the jawbone to offer a solid link to a dental prosthesis, such as crowns or a dental bridge. Dental implants can only be placed successfully if the…

Recent Posts

What You Need To Know About Partial Dentures

What You Need To Know About Partial Dentures

An article by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare states that more than 18 million people wear partial dentures. Anyone who has been considering getting partials to improve their speech, ability to chew, and even their appearance is not alone. It helps to have the proper information beforehand, though. Partials are created from a wide variety of materials, each…

Veneers To Fix Tooth Imperfections

Veneers To Fix Tooth Imperfections

Veneers, also known as dental porcelain laminates, are a great way to fix tooth imperfections without getting fillings and crowns, which are procedures that can cost thousands of dollars. They are thin, porcelain shells that are glued to the front of your teeth, making them appear beautiful and healthy again. This article will discuss when…