How Are Dental Implants Put Together?

Dental implants from an implant dentist in Framingham are designed to last for decades. That’s because they’re crafted from medical-grade materials that are not only strong but exceptionally lightweight. Modern dental implants are indistinguishable from natural teeth.

 How Dental Implants Are Created

Dental implants are made up of three separate components. These include the fixture, the abutment, and the restoration itself. Here’s how they fit together:

1. The fixture. This is what gives the implant its remarkable strength. It consists of a tiny titanium fixture that sits beneath the gum line and fuses to the bones in your jaw, just like the roots of a natural tooth. Dentists use titanium for this purpose, the same metal used to make airplane wings.
2. The abutment. This is what joins the fixture to the restoration itself. It’s added after the fixture fuses to the underlying bone through a natural process called osseointegration.
3. The restoration. Sometimes called the “prosthesis,” this is the artificial tooth, denture, or bridge that serves as the visible tooth. It’s made from a mixture of ceramic and other materials.

How Dental Implant Therapy Works

Dental implant therapy occurs in stages. The first step is to emplace the fixture. Like any other form of dental surgery, this is performed using anesthesia and sedatives for your comfort.

The dentist will place the fixture underneath the gum line and close the surrounding tissue over the area of treatment. A waiting period of 2-3 months normally follows this phase. This is to allow the surrounding bone to fuse with the fixture.

During your second visit, the dentist will place the abutment. He or she may also place the restoration itself at this time. Once it’s ready, you’ll be ready to show off your fully restored smile to the world.

Taking Care of Your Dental Implants

Dental implants require only the same care you should give to your natural teeth. This includes daily brushing and flossing, eating a nutritious diet, drinking alcohol only in moderation, and avoiding tobacco and vaping products of all kinds.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Giving a precise answer to this question is difficult, since each patient is unique. A good rule of thumb, however, is to expect dental implants to last from 20 years to a lifetime with reasonable care. Some factors that can affect this estimate include the patient’s overall health and lifestyle choices.

Dental implants in Framingham are a chance at a new life. What happens after they’re in place is largely up to you. The better you take care of yourself, the more likely they are to go the distance.

Your dentist will be glad to give you helpful tips on making the most of the restoration. Talk to him or her about implants and other restoration options during your next appointment. Whichever option you ultimately choose, we wish you nothing but the best as you open a new chapter of your life.

About the Author

Dr. Marianna Gaitsgory earned her DMD degree from the Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University. Her diverse range of training and experience gives her the ability to treat a wide array of dental problems. You can reach her office online or by calling (508) 875-0900.