If you have been researching options for restoring damaged teeth, you will have come across a lot of information about dental implants. Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants are fixed at the root level, providing a more natural look and feel.
The technology behind these procedures is rapidly evolving, and there are many different options available. One term you might have encountered in reference to the differences is “abutment.”
Dental implants are generally made up of three parts:
- an implant fixture – a small titanium or ceramic rod set into the jawbone to which the rest of the restoration is attached
- a crown or bridge – the replacement tooth or teeth
- an abutment – a customizable connector between the crown and the implant fixture
What is a Dental Implant Abutment?
A dental implant abutment is a connecting part that fits into a dental implant fixture, extending above the gum line to provide a secure attachment for dental restorations like crowns and bridges.
The use of abutments in dental implants not only reduces discomfort and recovery time for patients, but also plays an important role in the health and appearance of the final restoration.
Types of Dental Implant Abutments
Different implant abutment types are used for different situations. For example, abutments used in molar restorations need to withstand more chewing force, while appearance is more important at the front of the mouth.
When discussing what abutment best suits your needs with your dental specialist, there are several different categories of abutment you might consider
- Stock abutments are prefabricated and come in a limited range of shapes and sizes, while custom abutments are personalized to fit the needs of each implant and patient. This allows for a better fit, improved comfort, and more natural appearance of the final restoration.
At Advanced Dental Implant Center we custom-design all our dental implant abutments to achieve the best result for each patient. - Multi-unit abutments (MUAs) are used to secure more than one implant fixture to a single restoration, like with full-arch replacements.
- Healing abutments, or healing caps, are sometimes used in dental implant procedures that take place in stages. In these cases, healing abutments are temporarily fitted to the implant fixture to aid in tissue healing around the implant and hold space for the final crown placement.
At Advanced Dental Implant Center, we specialize in same-day implants, placing the abutment on the same day as the implant and adding a temporary restoration while the implant site heals.
The materials used for dental implant abutments are selected for qualities like strength, biocompatibility, appearance, and cost. Some of the more common materials used to make dental implant abutments are:
- titanium, best for molar restorations due to its high durability
- zirconia, a high-strength dental ceramic, is preferred for restorations at the front of the mouth for its natural coloration
- gold, useful for securing bridges
- thermoplastics, like PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) and PEEK (polyether ether ketone), are used in abutments for temporary crowns
Placement of Dental Implant Abutments
Up until recently, dentists would first place the implant fixture in the jaw and then reopen the gum after several weeks or months to fit the abutment, often with even more time between the abutment and crown.
Advances in dental implant methods eliminate the need for separate steps. At Advanced Dental Implant Center, the implant and abutment are fitted in the same procedure, allowing for a same-day implant-teeth solution. You won’t have to put up with unsightly gaps between the implant, abutment, and crown.
The basic steps for our same-day dental implants are:
- Initial consultation and evaluation. We use state of the art technology to assess your bone structure, plan the placement of your implants, the provisional restoration, and the custom abutments.
- Dental implant procedure, including attachment of a temporary restoration to an abutment.
- Fitment of final restoration to the abutment after osseointegration.
Importance of Dental Implant Abutments
The abutment is the support and attachment point for the visible crown of a dental implant. Its strength is critical to the overall strength and durability of the restoration, and the material it is made of determines how efficiently the crown is secured to the implant fixture. Any movement of these pieces in relation to one another not only places more pressure on the restoration but can cause discomfort associated with an unnatural bite.
The size and angle of the abutment determine the final position of the crown and, as a result, have a large impact on how natural it looks and feels. This is important for more than just aesthetics—an ill-fitting restoration can cause discomfort, speech impediments, difficulty chewing, and an increased risk of infection at the implant site.
The material used for the abutment also plays a large role in the appearance and healing of the final restoration. Biocompatibility, the ability of a material to come into contact with animal tissues without negative effects, is a major factor in the longevity of dental implants. If the material used is not compatible with the surrounding tissue, the gums will not heal well around the implant, and there is a greater likelihood of infection and structural damage.
These are some of the basic factors that go into selecting the right dental abutment for individual cases. Experienced dental specialists like the team at Advanced Dental Implant Center will be able to give you more detailed information and advice once they have assessed your individual needs.
Caring for Dental Implant Abutments
Although the abutment itself is not visible above the gum, keeping the implant site and crown hygienic is key to the long-term health, appearance, and durability of the restoration.
One of the benefits of implants above other types of dental restoration is their ease of care and maintenance. Your dental hygiene routine does not need to change much to accommodate the implants.
Schedule regular checkups with your dental specialist for implant and abutment maintenance and follow the hygiene guidelines they give you, especially in the first few weeks after the procedure.
Some general tips for the care of dental implants:
- Brush regularly to avoid bacterial buildup.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can cause damage to the gums around the implants.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste. Ingredients like baking soda can damage certain types of restorations.
- Use a water flosser. Regular dental floss can increase the chance of infection in dental restorations.
- Floss before brushing. Water flossers can wash away residual toothpaste that helps prevent buildup between brushing.
Take a look at our post-implant care page for more detailed information. We take care of the details for you
The abutment might not be the first thing you think about when considering your options for dental implants, but is a critical component in the long-term durability, comfort, and appearance of your restoration.
There are a lot of points to take into consideration when selecting the best dental implant abutment to suit your needs – your dental profile, angle of the implant, visibility of the restoration, durability, healing process, and more. It’s important to consult with your dental specialist to find out more information about the right choice for you.
Our expert team at Advanced Dental Implant Center are ready to make sure you benefit from the most up to date technologies and methods to restore your dental health. Schedule a free consultation with us today to find out what we can do for you.
FAQs
What is the difference between a dental implant and an abutment?
A dental implant is a fixture implanted below the gumline into the jawbone, used to anchor dental restorations. An abutment is a connective piece that extends down into or over the implant and joins it to the restored tooth above the gumline.
At what stage in the implant process is the dental implant abutment?
The implant fixture needs to be placed first before the abutment can be fitted. The time between the implant and abutment depends on the type of restoration. At Advanced Dental Implant Center, we specialize in same-day procedures, where the abutment and teeth are fitted in the same procedure as the implant.
Is a dental implant abutment painful?
Dental implant abutments should not be painful. At Advanced Dental Implant Center, we fit the abutment the same day as the implant, eliminating the discomfort of a follow-up procedure. The same-day procedure is carried out under anesthetic to minimize discomfort and uses the latest technologies to ensure optimum fit and healing.
How long does a dental implant abutment last?
The materials used for abutments are selected for durability, and abutments in modern dental implants should not need to be replaced while the other parts of the restoration are in good condition.
