Do you live with gaps in your smile? Are missing teeth keeping you from enjoying your life? If so, dental implants may be the answer you’ve been looking for. With dental implants, you can enjoy the strength and stability of natural teeth, allowing you to bite down and chew all your favorite foods. Not only that, but replacing your teeth with dental implants can keep your jawbone from deteriorating and your other teeth from shifting into the open spaces.
To understand dental implants better, let’s take a look at the different parts.
The Parts of a Dental Implant: What You Need to Know
A dental implant consists of three parts: the implant itself, the abutment, and the dental prosthetic. Here’s how each part works to restore your smile:
- Implant post — This small, titanium screw is surgically placed into your jawbone and acts as your tooth’s root. Then, over the next several months, the implant post fuses with your jawbone, giving you a solid foundation for the other parts of the dental implant. This process is known as osseointegration.
- Abutment — Once osseointegration occurs and your mouth heals, we will add the abutment to the implant post. One side of this connector piece screws onto the implant post, while the other side is used to hold the dental prosthetic.
- Dental prosthetic — The last part of the dental implant is what you’ll see when you look in the mirror. Depending on your dental situation and how many implant posts were placed, this dental prosthetic might be a dental crown, bridge, or denture. A dental crown is used for a single missing tooth. A dental bridge is typically used to replace two or more adjacent teeth, and dentures are used to replace an entire upper or lower arch.
Considering Dental Implants in Garland, TX?
If you are looking for an implant dentist in Garland, TX, consider Garland Grove Dentistry! Our expert dental team can assess your situation and develop a treatment plan to replace your missing teeth. Don’t spend another day covering your mouth when you talk or avoiding social situations.
Contact our dental office at (972) 272-3585 to schedule a consultation.