Dr. Benjamin Stevens is a talented dentist who places and restores dental implants at his practice in Greenwood, IN. Teeth implants are the best solution available to replace missing teeth. Replacing your teeth with implants requires sophisticated procedures and advanced materials. Below, we’ll review the parts that make up an implant-supported restoration and how they work together.
Parts of an Implant
A dental implant secured restoration is three parts. These parts work together to replace any number of missing teeth effectively. An implant, abutment, and restoration compose your new replacement teeth.
The Dental Implant – A dental implant is a cylinder-shaped metal fixture surgically placed in the jaw bone. Most implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material well-accepted by the human body. Dental implants replace the root portion of the teeth. Once in place, they secure the restoration and prevent bone loss in the jaw.
The Abutment – An abutment is a small metal piece attached to the implants. This part aims to connect the implant with the dental restoration. We place abutments after the implants have completely fused with the surrounding bone in about three to six months. Abutments secure the restoration and ensure that you can get full use of your restoration.
The Dental Restoration –The last part is the dental restoration. It will replace the crown portion of the teeth. Your new teeth, whether a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture, will fit perfectly in your mouth and blend in naturally with your remaining teeth.
The Different Types of Dental Implant Techniques
There are several different types of dental implants available. The kind you need will depend on your particular dental problem. Dr. Stevens will examine your teeth to determine the best solution for your oral health needs.
Single Tooth Replacement
A dental implant can be used to secure a dental crown. This is for patients who are missing a single tooth. We place the implant in the jaw bone at the location of the void. Then, we secure the custom-made dental crown to the abutment. The crown is made to blend in with your natural teeth perfectly. We specifically craft the restoration to match the size, shape, and shade of the rest of the teeth in your mouth.
Multiple Teeth Replacement
Two or more dental implants secure a dental bridge. A bridge typically replaces three or more consecutive missing teeth. We place the implants in the jaw bone on both sides of the gap. Then a custom-made bridge will be secured to them. Implant-secured bridges last longer and are better for your oral health than traditional bridges. They don’t put stress on natural teeth because dental implants support the dental bridge instead.
Full Arch Replacement
Up to eight dental implants per arch can secure a denture. This is the number one solution if you’re missing a whole row of teeth. An implant-supported denture will help maintain healthy jaw bone structure, which in turn will avoid that sunken look often seen in the faces of people who are missing many teeth.
Each patient’s teeth replacement needs will be unique. Therefore, we need to devise a personalized solution for everyone. During your consultation at our Greenwood, IN family dentist office, Dr. Stevens will review your oral health needs, explain how dental implants can help you, and which solution is best for you.