Do you have an extracted or lost tooth? Have you just knocked out a permanent tooth? Dr. Joseph Costa offers single dental implants in Worcester, MA. He will recommend dental implants for all his patients suffering from missing or damaged teeth. Teeth implants are an advanced teeth replacement solution that resembles real teeth. Discover more of what makes up a dental implant and how their durability leads to longevity.
Parts of Dental Implants in Worcester
Teeth that are replaced with dental implants are made up of three parts: the fixture, abutment, and dental prosthesis. These parts will connect together to make up the number one dentist-recommended way to replace your teeth.
Fixture
A fixture called an implant post is a metal screw surgically implanted into the jaw bone. This piece will fuse with the bone over the span of several months, making it very stable and durable. Its main responsibilities are supporting the dental prosthesis and acting as a tooth root. An implant post will prevent the underlying jaw bone from deteriorating, a common side effect in tooth loss.
Since the fixture is essentially an extension of the jaw bone, it will hold the false teeth in place, preventing slippage and allowing for a greater chewing force. They come in various lengths and diameters to accommodate the different areas they need to be placed along the top and bottom arches.
Abutment
The abutment is a short stumpy connector piece that will connect the implant to the dental prosthetic. It will sit right at or just above the gum line but will not be seen once the false teeth are attached. This piece is screwed onto the implant once the implant has fully fused with the jaw bone. This involves a minor procedure and is used in two-stage implants. There are also one-stage implants where the abutment is attached to the implant immediately after they are surgically placed.
Dental Prosthetic
The dental prosthetic is the piece that acts as a replacement tooth. It is the last thing to be attached to complete the entire restoration. Several different types of prosthetics are available depending on how many teeth you are missing. A dental crown is used when a single tooth is missing. Dental bridges are typically used when there are more than two consecutive teeth missing. A denture can replace an entire row of teeth.
Dental Implant Q&A
Do you have more questions about implants? Read answers to these popular questions:
How long will my dental implants last?
If you take care of your oral health at home and visit our Worcester, MA, office every six months for a checkup, then your fixtures should last a lifetime. The key to them lasting forever is proper care. On the other hand, the prosthesis will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years from regular wear and tear.
Why are dental implants so expensive?
As you can see, teeth that are replaced with dental implants involve a lot of separate pieces and procedures. These sophisticated and advanced materials are costly. You will also need to visit your dentist many times for checkups to make sure everything is progressing well.
Book a dental implant consultation today by calling 508-590-9383 or scheduling a dental appointment online.