Many patients can attest to the fact that the best and most natural-looking way to address damaged or missing teeth is to replace them with Vero Beach dental implants. Each dental implant is comprised of three main parts – the fixture, abutment, and the crown. If you’re interested to know more about the different parts of the implant, read on.

The Main Parts of a Dental Implant

Fixture

The fixture refers to the small and screw-shaped structure that the dentist places under your gums. This is usually made with a biocompatible material called titanium. To anchor the fixture securely into your gums, the dentist drills a small hole into the area where the missing tooth’s roots once were. Over time, the fixture integrates itself into your jawbone for a secure and permanent hold. The fixture serves as the roots of your replacement tooth.

Abutment

The abutment is a stumpy screw-shaped structure that sits along the gum line. Moreover, it also serves as a connector that’s responsible for holding your replacement tooth in place. Dentists usually wait for about 5 to 6 months before they install the abutment because they have to make sure that the fixture has successfully fused with their patient’s jawbone through the process called osseointegration.

The Crown

When the abutment is adequately attached to the fixture, the dentist will be able to connect to the final component of the dental implant called the crown or the artificial tooth. In case you’re wondering, this prosthesis can be made from ceramic or porcelain and is designed to look and feel like your natural tooth. Your dentist can either screw this prosthesis into place or have it cemented on your abutment.

Interested to Know More About Vero Beach Dental Implants?

If you need more information about dental implants, get in touch with the fantastic dental team at Smooth Sailing Dental. Schedule an appointment today!