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What are the Parts of a Dental Implant?

What are the Parts of a Dental Implant?

By Pasadena Dental Implants Peter G. Cooper, DDS

January 07, 2016

Tags: dental implants

Dental implants are an excellent option if you need to replace a lost tooth. Implants become a permanent part of your mouth and feel just like a natural tooth. Pasadena Dentist Peter G. Cooper, DDS, shares information about the parts of a dental implant and explains how an implant can help you.

The dental implant

Although the word "implant" is frequently used to describe all of the parts of your new tooth, the implant itself is actually a tiny screw made of a strong metal called titanium. Titanium is used for implants because it is biocompatible. The body doesn't reject it, and it bonds easily with bone.

During the first part of the implant process, your dentist drills a small hole in your jawbone and places the titanium implant in the hole. Your jawbone grows around the implant in the next three to six months in a process called osseointegration. When this process is complete, your new implant will be just as strong as a natural tooth root. Because the implant is placed under your gum, you won't be able to see it.

The abutment

Once your dentist is satisfied that your implant is fully integrated with the surrounding bone, he'll attach an abutment to it. An abutment is a piece of metal that will connect the implant to the crown. After you receive your new implant, you'll wait a few weeks for healing to take place before beginning the final stage of the dental implant process.

The crown

The crown adds the finishing touch to your new dental implant. Crowns are made of porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal and look just like your natural teeth. An implant typically supports one crown, although several implants may be used to support an entire row of crowns if multiple teeth are missing. With your crown in place, you'll be able to eat and chew normally. In fact, you may even forget which tooth isn't real.

Interested in learning more about dental implants? Call Pasadena dentist Peter G. Cooper, DDS, at (626) 796-1241 and schedule a consultation today. Improve your smile with an implant!

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