Dental Implant Abutments – They May Be Small But…
If you’re considering undergoing surgery for a dental implant in Richmond, you’ll probably know all about the titanium implant and how it can support a porcelain crown. However what you may not know much about is the abutment. This is an integral part of the dental implant as a whole and without it the implant simply won’t function.
So what exactly is it and how does it work?
In essence it’s a socket-like structure that connects the crown directly to the implant. It too is normally made from titanium although it isn’t uncommon for other metals to also be used. Although it acts as a connecting joint, it also has another important role to play, namely that of a shock absorber. Its job is to transfer the full force of a person’s bite (normally around 200 lbs per square inch) down through the implant, so it too needs to be super-strong and incredibly durable.
At what stage can the abutment be fitted?
If you’re seeking dental implants in Richmond and visit our clinic then we’ll suggest that it depends heavily on the type of implant being fitted. For example, if you are having an All-in-One implant, then as the name suggests the implant and abutment are fitted together at the same time. Conversely if you decide (along with your dentist of course) that a standard dental implant is the better option then fittings are done in stages. In the case of the abutment it’s usually attached after the implant itself has been placed and bone fusion has taken place (somewhere between 4-12 weeks later).
Does it involve another surgical process?
Fitting the abutment does involve another surgical procedure however it is only a very quick process. A tiny surgical incision is made to expose the implant once more and then the abutment is fitted into place using strong dental cement. Once this is done, the crown can then be fitted. This is often done on the same day, however some dentists prefer to give the abutment time to set into position and as such the final crown is often fitted a few days later.
Although the abutment is small, it plays a very important role in the whole success of a dental implant. In Richmond, here at Sheen Dental we offer all potential patients a free no-obligation consultation where they can come and talk to Dr Harmit Kalsi and the team to discuss every aspect of the procedure and what it entails. This gives the patient all the information they need to make an informed decision about their dental future. Why not act now and contact us on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk to book your free consultation today!