Each dental implant contains three essential parts: the implant post, abutment, and restoration. These components work together to create a functional, natural-looking replacement tooth.
The Implant Post
The implant post acts as the artificial tooth root and is the foundation of the entire restoration. Made from medical-grade titanium or titanium alloy, this threaded post is surgically inserted into your jawbone. Its unique surface promotes osseointegration, or the natural process where your bone cells grow directly onto the implant surface, effectively fusing it with your jawbone.
The post’s design mimics a natural tooth root, transferring chewing forces directly to the jawbone, just like natural teeth. This stimulation is crucial for your jawbone health and facial structure as it prevents the bone loss that typically occurs after tooth loss.
The Abutment
The abutment is a connector piece that fastens to the top of the implant post once osseointegration is complete. This small but critical component serves as the bridge between the implant post and the visible portion of your restoration.
The abutment is generally made from titanium, zirconia, or other biocompatible materials and is custom-shaped to provide ideal support and alignment for your final restoration. Some abutments are straight, while others are angled to accommodate specific situations or aesthetic needs.
The Restoration (Crown, Bridge, or Denture)
The final visible component of your dental implant is the restoration. This is the portion that looks like your natural tooth or teeth. The type of restoration you receive is based on the number of teeth missing.
- For single-tooth replacements, a custom-crafted dental crown is used to match your adjacent teeth perfectly in color, shape, and size.
- For multiple missing teeth, implants can support bridges or even complete dentures.
These “fixed” restorations are typically made from high-grade dental porcelain or zirconia, providing exceptional durability while mimicking the translucent qualities of natural teeth for a realistic appearance.
How Dental Implants Function
The genius of dental implants lies in how closely they reproduce natural tooth function. When you chew with a dental implant, the force travels through the restoration and abutment into the implant post, which transfers this pressure to your jawbone, just as a real tooth would.
This process serves two crucial purposes:
- It provides the stability needed for comfortable chewing and speaking.
- It delivers the stimulation your jawbone needs to maintain its density and volume.
The titanium material used in implants is considered biocompatible. Its unique properties allow bone cells to grow directly onto its surface without the body recognizing it as a foreign object. This is what makes dental implants so successful as a long-term solution for tooth replacement.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with missing teeth qualify for dental implant treatment in East Bruinswick. At Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, we carry out a thorough evaluation to determine if implants are right for you.
Even if you’ve been told you lack sufficient bone density, don’t lose hope! Our practice offers advanced bone grafting procedures that can help build up your jawbone to support implants successfully. We’ll use state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology during your consultation to evaluate your jaw structure and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Dental implants are ideal for individuals who:
- Have one or more missing teeth.
- Have sufficient jawbone density to support an implant (or are candidates for bone grafting).
- Do not have uncontrolled medical conditions that could interfere with healing.
- Want a permanent alternative to dentures or bridges.
A thorough dental examination and 3D imaging will determine if you are a candidate for implants.
