Dental implants have three basic components. The implant is the screw-like structure that is put into the jawbone and acts like the root of a tooth. The abutment is the part which attaches to the implant and provides the structure upon which the final piece, the crown, is placed. The crown is the visible part of the tooth structure.
The abutment part of an implant has more than one purpose. It acts as a support for the final crown. It also helps in the healing process as the gum heals around the implant. Custom dental abutments are not always required, but in certain instances, they may be advised.
In many cases, prefabricated abutments are sufficient for use with the dental implant. The important factor is that the implant is accurately placed, and there is a tight attachment between the implant and the abutment. The tight fit provides better long term maintenance of the bone structure in the implant area.
Circumstances for Custom Dental Implant Abutment
In a situation where the gum is very thin, a custom abutment may be used. If the titanium abutment shows through the gum, it may be advisable to have a white zirconia abutment placed instead. This is particularly important for anterior implants.
Full mouth bridged dental implants may also require custom abutments. When multiple teeth are being replaced with implants, custom abutments may be needed in certain areas. When all the teeth are missing, overdentures may be used with a bar to hold them in place. The implants used in this case may need to have custom abutments as well.
The condition of the gums often dictates whether or not a custom abutment is needed. If they are overly thick or very thin, the abutment may need to be custom made. Scalloped gums often require custom implant abutments as well.
A thorough examination of the implant site will determine if you need a custom abutment for your dental implant. The dentists at Ora Dental Implant Studio are committed to providing you with the best oral care. They will advise you of the procedures that will yield the most effective and aesthetically pleasing results for your implant. Contact us to schedule an appointment to learn more about dental implants and custom implant abutments.