You probably already know that dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth, but you might not know that each dental implant is three separate pieces that all work together as one.
Three individual components make up a dental implant: the titanium implant post, the metal abutment, and the shiny dental crown.
Implant Post
The titanium dental implant post is the most significant and most substantial portion of the implant. This post looks similar to a screw, and dentists place it directly into the jawbone so that it mimics natural tooth roots. Once the dental implant post fuses with the jaw and the area around it heals, the post gets covered up with the other two components. So, for most of the dental implant post’s lifetime, it is completely “invisible.”
Abutment
Dentists connect the implant post to the visible tooth crown with the second component of the dental implant, known as the abutment. The abutment is a small metal connector that screws into both the implant post and the dental crown. The abutment is also never visible once the dental implant is complete.
Tooth Crown
The final piece of the dental implant is the only part that you see: the tooth crown. This artificial dental crown imitates natural tooth crowns in both its appearance and function. The dental crown will rest on top of the gumline and will match the color of the other teeth in the mouth. In most situations, this tooth crown blends in entirely seamlessly, and no one else ever knows it’s there.
Contact Our Springfield Dentist
Now that you understand more about how dental implants work feel free to schedule a dental appointment with us at any time! We can place your dental implant in Springfield, MO and answer all of your questions along the way. Call us today at (417) 887-6882 to get started!