Novato Dental Implants Dentist Describes Anatomy of an Implant

Written by Dr. McConnell on Jun 21, 2016

If you are missing teeth, the Novato Dental Implants Dentist offers the option of replacing them with dental implants, the gold standard for tooth replacement.

However, since dental implants are relatively new to many of our patients, we’d like to take a moment to talk about the anatomy of an implants to provide a better understanding of how they function.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically embedded into your jawbone and gum tissue. When in place, dental implants essentially function just as your natural tooth roots would, providing a stable base for crowns, dental bridges, and dentures to remain fixed in place. Basically, a dental implant will enable you to laugh, smile, and eat as if you had all of your natural teeth in place.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?
 
The best candidates for dental implants are people who are missing one or more teeth and would prefer a fixed appliance rather than a removable one. A good candidate is in good overall dental health and has sufficient bone and gum tissue density to support the implant.

What are the parts of a dental implant?

The implant post is essentially the dental implant itself. This is the part of the dental implant that is anchored into the living tissues of the jaw. The implant post typically resembles a screw and is often made of titanium, which ensures biocompatibility and prevents rejection of the implant.

The implant abutment is the small portion of the dental implant that is intended to connect the post to a crown, bridge, or denture. The abutment can be made of titanium, stainless steel, gold, zirconia, or ceramic materials. 

The last part in the anatomy of a dental implant is the restoration, the part of the implant that is visible when you smile. For single tooth replacement, this is usually a dental crown. For more advanced tooth loss, the best option is typically a dental bridge or a denture. The Novato Dental Implants dentist will take the time to talk to you about which restoration best suits your needs. 

Are dental implants right for me?

Dental implants can achieve great results for many patients, but they are not necessarily right for everyone. The best way to find out if an implant is the right option for you is to make an appointment for a consultation. We can go over the pros and cons of dental implants so you can make an informed decision about dental implants and whether or not they are the best option for you. Please contact our dentist office, and we will be happy to arrange a convenient consultation.