An implant abutment is an integral part of a dental implant. Although it is not visible to the eye once the implant crown is installed, it plays a very important part in providing structural support, essentially connecting the foundation of the implant – the implant fixture – to the implant crown.
Creating a dental implant
The creation of a dental implant is a three-stage process that takes place over six months to a year. First, the implant fixture, which looks like a small post, is embedded in the jawbone. This provides the deep, foundational support for the implant, much like the roots of your natural teeth. After the implant fixture has bonded with the jawbone, the abutment is attached to the implant fixture. While the implant fixture remains fully hidden below the gumline, the abutment provides structural support above the gumline. It is on the abutment that the implant crown will eventually be placed in the third and final stage of creating the dental implant.
Types of abutments
Implant abutments are made of a number of materials, most commonly including titanium, gold, and zirconium. Your dentist will help you choose from these options, keeping in mind the strength of the material as well as its durability. While titanium has long been the material most commonly used in the creation of dental abutments, given its high degree of biocompatibility and extreme strength, zirconium abutments are increasingly favored for their increased aesthetic properties, as they can be color-matched to blend in with teeth and thus be less visible when uncovered. Luckily, there are now a number of excellent materials to choose from in the creation of implant abutments.
Abutments can be either pre-fabricated or custom-made to fit your unique oral anatomy. Similarly, they can be oriented straight up and down or angulated (protruding the gumline at an angle). Your dentist will choose the orientation that best supports your needs.
Attachment of the crown to the abutment
The crown may be attached to the abutment using either dental cement, a lag screw, or a special retainer. Attachments using dental cement are permanent and cannot be removed for any reason. Any repairs that need to be done to implants that are permanently cemented must be done on that tooth just as any other of your permanent teeth – in place in your mouth.
If the ability to remove the implant for either cleaning or repairs is important to you, you might consider having the crown attached using a lag screw, instead. After it is attached, the hole at the top of the tooth is filled with composite resin much like a cavity is, and the implant can be easily removed and replaced if it should ever break or chip.
Finally, implant abutments can be used to secure removable dentures, in which case the abutment simply snaps into the female receivers that are built into the dentures. This allows for a snug fit with limited movement, which many wearers find to be a welcome change to dentures that float in their mouth while eating or talking.
For more information about how dental implants work and which of these solutions would be best for you, call your dentist today for an initial consultation.