Our Services Dental Implants and Implant Dentures
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root used to replace a missing tooth, multiple teeth, or all of the teeth in a jaw. There are three main parts that make up a dental implant: the implant itself, the dental implant abutment and the dental prosthesis, which generally refers to the dental crown or dental bridgework that the implant supports. Dental implants, together with dental abutments, can support individual dental crowns, a group of teeth, or even all of the teeth.
Let's discuss the three parts of a dental implant in more detail.
1.) The dental implant fixture: The dental implant fixture is the portion of the implant that is embedded in and becomes anchored to the jawbone. this process is called osseointegration and provides stability and support for the dental prosthesis. The dental implant fixture is constructed out of titanium and is that portion of the dental implant that lies below the gum line.
2.) The dental implant abutment: The dental implant abutment is a cylinder that is screwed on top of the dental implant fixture. The abutment aspect of an implant lies at or above the gum line. This stub portion is used to attach and support the crown, dental bridgework or denture that makes up the final restoration. New advances in CAD-CAM procedures are now making it possible for dentists to create abutments that are customized for each of their individual patient's needs. Please click on Dr. Gulbransen's blog for more information. http://www.sandiegoprosthodontics.com/blog/40-general/106-custom-dental-implant-abutments-using-cad-cam-technology
3.) The dental prosthesis: The dental prosthesis refers to the dental crown, dental bridgework, or the denture that the implant fixture supports. this can be either screwed or cemented in place, depending on the design.
For patients missing all of their teeth in a jaw, dental implants can be used to support a removable denture, or if conditions are favorable and an adequate number of implants have been placed, a fixed bridge can be used to replace all the missing teeth. Please click on the following links to Dr. Gulbransen's blog to find out more about implant supported dentures. http://www.sandiegoprosthodontics.com/blog/40-general/104-what-is-an-implant-supported-denture and http://www.sandiegoprosthodontics.com/blog/40-general/103-what-are-the-advantages-of-implant-supported-dentures-over-conventional-dentures
We will assist you in determining the appropriate treatment plan for your unique situation. We will then work with your surgical specialist [oral surgeon or periodontist] to execute the plan in the most convenient way possible.
