Dental implants are medical tools that Dr. Michael Courter uses to replace missing teeth. This intricate dental device can replace one, several, or an entire arch of teeth. Dr. Courter offers dental implants in Midland, TX, for patients who want the most natural tooth replacement option. Here, we will review the parts of a dental implant and the types of implant restorations we provide in Midland, TX.
The Parts of a Dental Implant Restoration
A dental implant restoration has many parts; each serving a specific purpose in restoring patient’s missing teeth. A typical dental implant restoration has three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and a dental restoration. Before choosing this option, Dr. Courter wants his patients to understand how the dental implant components work.
Implant Fixture: The Foundation of a Dental Implant Restoration
The implant fixture is the anchor of the dental implant restoration, serving as an artificial tooth root. Typically made of biocompatible materials such as titanium, implant fixtures provide stability and strength. The fixture is essentially a post that resembles a screw with threads.
To secure it to your mouth, you must undergo a surgical procedure. An oral surgeon will insert the implant post into the jawbone, then let your mouth fuse to it.
Implant Fixture Sizes
A dental implant fixture comes in three basic sizes to accommodate different patient’s needs: standard, mini, and wide. The length can range from 8 mm to 16 mm. However, your fixture size will depend on where the implant is going, and available bone mass in that area. The diameters of the three basic sizes of implants are:
- Standard Dental Implant: 3.5 mm – 4.3 mm
- Mini Dental Implant: 2 mm – 3.5 mm
- Wide Dental Implant: 4.5 mm – 6mm
In most cases, Dr. Courter will use a standard implant fixture or post. He may use a mini implant when there is little space between the teeth roots or with patients who lack bone mass. He may use a wide implant to replace larger teeth with more expansive root systems, such as the teeth in the back of the mouth. Dr. Courter will determine the position of the implant post based on your bone density, and the location of the lost tooth.
Abutments: Connecting Implant Fixtures to Restorations
We place abutments, or small connector pieces, on the implant fixtures to support the attached dental restorations. They come in various materials, including titanium, zirconia, and stainless steel. The type of abutment you will need depends on several factors.
For example, your oral anatomy, the aesthetics you are going for, and the implant position. The dentist will use a custom abutment for irregular shapes, and implants in challenging locations within the mouth.
Types of Dental Implant Abutments
Abutments are available in different sizes and designs to fit a range of implant systems. Some types of abutments include:
- Stock Abutments: These pre-made abutments come in various shapes and sizes. Stock abutments are suitable for standard cases. These are the most commonly used types of abutments for the majority of implant cases.
- Custom Abutments: We can create a custom abutment for patients with unique anatomical features. These are ideal for complex cases where precise fit is crucial, but are more expensive.
- Temporary Abutments: In some cases, a temporary abutment is necessary. We use them during the healing period after implant placement. They provide aesthetic and functional benefits while we wait for your mouth to heal.
- Angled abutments: These abutments address situations where the dentist can’t place dental implants in an ideal position. For example, in cases of tilted teeth. Angled abutments allow the prosthetic to align properly and improve the overall aesthetic result.
Dental Restorations: Completing the Implant with Prosthetic Teeth
A dental restoration is the visible part of the dental implant, providing natural-looking teeth. Dr. Courter offers different restorations to accommodate his patient’s unique needs and preferences. The type of dental restoration you need depends on the number of missing teeth, their location, and the state of your oral health.
Our office provides many types of dental prosthetics that use dental implants to support them, including:
- Single Crowns: We use dental crowns to replace a missing tooth. A crown acts like a natural tooth cap and covers the implant post. Replacing a single tooth is easy using an implant-supported dental crown.
- Dental Bridges: A bridge is suitable for replacing multiple adjacent missing teeth, using implants as support. Bridges consist of multiple false teeth in a row.
- Dentures: Implant-supported dentures replace an entire arch of teeth or most of the teeth on an arch. Dental implants can support false teeth in different mouth areas or full prosthetics.
Call Us for Restorative Dental Treatment Today
Understanding the parts of dental implants is important if you are considering replacing your teeth. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Courter to learn more about dental implants in Midland, TX. Call 432-287-9531 or request an appointment online.
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