Parts of a Dental Implant Cary, NC

Dr. Elise Brace is a dentist in Cary, NC, that offers dental implants to her patients missing one, multiple, or all of their teeth. Dental implants are a sophisticated way to replace any number of missing teeth.

Knowing how the parts that make up a dental implant-supported restoration work and function will help you better understand why they are the number one solution for tooth loss.

Parts of a Dental Implant Cary, NC

The Different Parts of Dental Implants

A dental implant is made up of three separate parts; the implant post, the abutment, and the dental prosthetic.

Dental Implant Post

The dental implant post is the portion that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. It looks like a screw with threads and is typically made of titanium. Titanium is a metal that is often used in replacement body parts since it is well-accepted by the human body.

An implant post is very lightweight but is also very durable. After they are secured in the bone, it typically takes several months for the surrounding bone to fuse to the post.

Dental implant posts are available in several shapes and sizes to accommodate different locations in the mouth. Some are wider than others, and some are longer than others. The size of the implants you will need is determined by where they are placed along the jaw, how much bone is available, and the spacing between posts.

There are two different types of posts available; a one-stage implant and a two-stage implant. We’ll discuss the difference in the abutment section.

Abutment

An abutment is a small piece that is attached to the implant and is used to connect the implant to the dental prosthetic. They are typically made of metal and are also available in different sizes.

With a two-stage implant, the incision is closed up after the implant post has been placed in the bone. A second procedure is needed to uncover the implant once it has fully fused with the surrounding bone and to attach the abutment.

With a one-stage implant, the abutment is already attached (called a healing abutment) when the implant is placed in the jaw bone. A second procedure is not needed. Dr. Brace will simply remove the healing abutment and attach a permanent one before securing the dental prosthetic.

Dental Prosthetic

The dental prosthetic is the part that you will see when you smile. They are the replacement teeth and will be made to blend in naturally with the rest of your smile. Dr. Brace will place a dental crown on a single implant if you are missing one tooth.

For multiple missing teeth, a custom-made restoration will be made to replace your teeth. This can be a dental bridge if you are missing several consecutive teeth or a denture if you are missing a whole row of teeth. The denture or bridge will be secured to 2 – 8 dental implants.


Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Contact Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brace. Here, we discuss your goals, budget, and your treatment plan. You can reach our Cary, NC dentist office at 919.823.7107 or you can also request an appointment online.