What Are The Parts Of A Dental Implant?
If you’re considering a dental implant in Richmond then it’s important to know what the three parts of a dental implant are. By learning about the different parts and what a dental implant consists of, you’ll have a better understanding of the process from the beginning and until you reach the final stage where your implant is topped with a dental crown to add the finishing touch to your bright new smile.
The first part of the implant is a small screw shaped post known as the ‘implant body’. It’s made from titanium which is the most bio-compatible material there is. The body is screw shaped so that it adapts better to the bone and it’s this part which will be embedded into the empty bone cavity left by the missing tooth.
The second part of the implant is called an ‘abutment’. This is a peg tooth which is manufactured in a laboratory and comes in a variety of shapes depending on the size and location of your dental implant. This will be fitted to the implant body and helps to distribute the biting force evenly between the body and the crown.
The third and final part of your implant is the ‘crown’. The implant crown is cemented onto the abutment and will feel and look just like a natural tooth.
Each of the three parts described above has a timeline which is performed by your implant dentist. The first part is placing the ‘implant body’ which is done during a surgical procedure and normally takes around 2 to 3 months of healing time, depending on the individual. During this healing period the surrounding bone and soft tissue will fuse with the implant body offering strength and stability. Once the healing is complete an impression is taken of your dental implant so that a custom abutment and crown can be fabricated at the laboratory. Once the abutment has been cemented on there is usually another waiting period of 2-4 weeks before the crown can be cemented into place.
The whole treatment can take up to 9 months, and sometimes longer, to complete.
For patients who can’t wait that long to get their teeth replaced, there are occasions where the implant dentist can place the entire dental implant in just one bout of surgery so that the patient leaves with their new teeth. However, this isn’t suitable for everyone and would have to be discussed in more detail with your dentist.
If you’d like to find out more about dental implants in Richmond, or ascertain if you are a suitable candidate, then why not book a free implant consultation with Sheen Dental. You can book online at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk or phone us direct on 020 8876 5277. We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic.