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Understanding the Anatomy of a Dental Implant

Here at Harmony Dental Care, we seek to improve the overall health, wellness, and beauty of people’s smiles. This means custom treatment for patients throughout the greater Jackson area, from dental fillings to procedures that replace missing teeth.

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution to treat tooth loss, though many patients wonder what they are and how they work. Let’s explore those issues right now.

About Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are used to anchor dental restorations when a patient is missing a tooth or multiple teeth. These implants are surgically embedded into the jawbone and gum tissue. During a months-long healing process known as osseointegration, the implants fuse with the bone and gums, ensure a secure and stable hold just like natural tooth roots.

Dental implants consist of three distinct parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the appliance/implant restoration. Let’s look at each of them in a bit more detail.

The Implant Post: The Dental Anchor

The implant post makes up the bulk of the dental implant itself. This is the part of the dental implant that gets anchored right into the living tissues of the jaw and gums. An implant post often resembles a traditional screw, though we should note that there are variations on types of implants that can be used depending on the unique needs of the patient. The implant post is often made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that prevents rejection of the implant.

The Abutment: The Necessary Connector

The abutment is the small portion of the dental implant that connects the implant post and the crown, bridge, or denture. The abutment can be made of titanium, stainless steel, gold, zirconia, or ceramic materials. The best kind of abutment to use will depend on the discretion of the dentist and oral surgeon.

The Dental Appliance/Implant Restoration: The New Smile

The last part of a dental implant is the appliance/implant restoration. This means the denture, the dental bridge, or the dental crown that is locked in place by the dental implants. Implant restorations are custom made to the patient to ensure proper fit and optimal appearance.

Designing Implant Dentistry to Meet Your Needs

As we noted above, there are different types of implants that can be used during the treatment process. This is part of the customization of the implant dentistry procedure. We will be more than happy to discuss all options for care in greater detail during your visit to the practice. Our goal will be to help you achieve total wellness and a beautiful smile. We will answer all of your questions and address your concerns during this process as well so you know exactly what to expect every step of the way.

Schedule a Consultation at Harmony Dental Care

If you would like to learn more about dental implants and how they can help you have a smile that’s healthy and beautiful, it’s important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The team at Harmony Dental Care looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve the best possible dental health.