There are generally three parts to the anatomy of a dental implant: the implant post, the abutment, and the restoration. Let’s explain each part.

When placing dental implants to treat missing teeth, it’s important that we let patients know what an implant is and how it functions. We’d like to consider the basic anatomy of a dental implant with this blog post. Before breaking that down, let’s start by going over the basics of dental implants and how they work.

How Dental Implants Work 

Dental implants serve as artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into place. When a person is missing a tooth or multiple teeth, a dental implant or a few dental implants may be placed in order to support a crown, bridge, or denture.

Thanks to the process of osseointegration–the fusion of the dental implant with the natural, living structures of the mouth–dental implants are able to provide a level of stability that is comparable to natural tooth roots. The dental implants also prevent bone loss and gum recession in the process.

With the basics out of the way, let’s consider the anatomy of a traditional endosteal dental implant.

• The Implant body – The Anchor and Foundation. The implant body is the portion of the dental implant that most people think of when they hear the phrase “dental implant”. Similar to a screw, the implant body is anchored into the jawbone and the gum tissue. The implant body is made of titanium, which is a biocompatible metal that the bone can attach to.
• The Abutment – The Connection Point. The abutment is the portion of the dental implant that is the connection point between the implant post and the final appliance or restoration. This helps secure the crown that the patient bites on, for example. The abutment might be made of titanium, stainless steel, gold, zirconia, or ceramic materials depending on the needs of the patient the the recommendations of the dentist.
• The Dental Appliance/Restoration – The False Tooth/Teeth. The final part of the implant dentistry process is the dental appliance. This is the custom crown, bridge, or denture that restores the person’s ability to bite, chew, and so forth. This dental appliance is custom crafted in order to ensure proper function, fit, and performance.
• The Anatomy of Subperiosteal Dental Implants An alternative to the endosteal dental implant, subperiosteal dental implants do not use a post that is screwed into the jawbone and gum tissue. Instead, the superiosteal implant consists of a frame that spans the dental arch, bracing around the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. Abutments on the framework can be used to secure a denture.
  We can discuss which kind of dental implant may be best for you and your needs during the consultation process.

Learn More About Implant Dentistry

For more information about dental implants and how they can help you smile with renewed confidence and improved dental health, be sure to contact our advanced oral surgery center today. We look forward to your visit and discussing these issues with you in greater detail.