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Dental abutments are essential components in dental implant procedures. This article will discuss the various types of dental abutments, their functions, and the process of placing them.
We’ll also discuss the different materials used for abutments and how to choose the most suitable one for your individual needs.
Placing a dental implant involves three main parts, the implant, the prosthesis, and the abutment. The abutment is the connector piece between the implant and the artificial tooth.
It links the crown, bridge, or denture to the implant. Depending on your implant’s position and jaw, a dentist may recommend a custom abutment design specifically for you. In other cases, prefabricated abutments may be used.
There are numerous types of dental abutments. Abutments can be:
Aside from connecting crowns and other dental restorations directly to the implant, it can help address several other needs. These include:
Placing an abutment is a minor surgical procedure usually performed under local anesthesia.
In a two-stage approach, after the implant has healed and osseointegrated, the dentist makes an incision in the gum to expose the implant. Then, they attach the healing abutment to the implant before closing the incision with stitches.
After the healing abutment is in place, the gums must heal for a few weeks before the dentist can place the permanent abutment and crown. In some cases, they may be able to place the crown on the same day as the abutment. However, it’s more common to wait until the gums have healed.
The one-stage approach is an alternative procedure that involves fixing the implant and abutment during the same appointment. In this case, the dentist uses a temporary healing abutment to help the gum heal around the implant.
These are also called healing cuffs or caps. Healing abutments are wider than standard abutments and help make space for the crown.
Once the gums are healed and the implant is fully fused to the jawbone, the dentist unscrews the healing abutment and positions the final abutment and crown. This one-stage approach eliminates the need to reopen the gums after the implant heals.
The material selected for the abutment can influence the implant’s strength and esthetics of your smile.
Dental abutments can be made from various materials, including:
The abutment the dentist recommends may depend on various factors. These include the type of restoration, the tooth’s biting load, your budget, allergies, and preferences.
According to Dr. Nandita Lilly, one of NewMouth’s in-house dentists, “Many factors, including medical status, esthetic concerns, allergies, and the location of the implant, determine which materials and techniques are the best for you.”
Understanding the role of dental abutments is crucial for people considering implant-supported restorations. It allows you to make informed decisions about your dental treatment.
As always, we recommend consulting with a qualified dentist to determine the best abutment option for your specific situation.
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