What are Dental Implant Abutments: Procedure, Types, Cost & Advantages

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are incredible tooth replacement solutions for patients missing one of multiple teeth. They feature metal posts erected in the jawbone to permanently replace the lost teeth. If you have never received a dental implant before, you may not understand the intricate details of the procedures, particularly pertaining to dental implant custom abutments.

What are Dental Implant Abutments?

An abutment is a metal connector that dentists place over installed dental implants. The connector’s role is to provide a base to secure the dental crown that the dentist will place later on to complete the treatment. In many cases, dentists place abutments during the implantation surgery to install a dental implant. However, it calls for a minor procedure to install the abutment on a separate dental visit.

Why Do You Need Dental Implant Abutments?

Dental implant abutments are necessary for every implantation procedure. If you are to replace your teeth with dental implants, a custom abutment implant is paramount before the dentist can install a dental crown. Some reasons why you need a dental implant abutment are:

1. It is a crucial part of the implantation surgery – specifically connecting the internal part of the procedure (dental implant) to the external part (dental crown).
2. To prevent the need to reopen the gums after the tooth implant has fused to your jawbone over several months.
3. To create ample room for a dental crown – if you heal without an abutment, the healed gums will not have sufficient room to attach a dental crown to the implant.

What is the Step-By-Step Procedure of Getting Dental Implant Abutments?

Dental implants and abutments are different. Usually, our dental implant periodontist at 75093 will position the abutment above your gums while the tooth implant goes below. The procedure entails the following steps:

• Local Anesthesia – to numb your mouth. Sometimes dentists will employ sedation dentistry to overcome dental anxiety and calm nerves.
• Gum Incision – the dentist makes a small cut on the gums to expose the bone tissue underneath.
• Drilling the Jawbone – usually to create a hole that can fit a dental implant.
• Installing the Abutment – the dentist can choose two different strategies:

1. Placing the abutment on the implant and then covering it with the gums. Afterward, the dentist allows your mouth to heal for between 4 to 6 months. During your next dental visit, our dentist in Plano, TX will open the gums to expose the abutment, then attach the dental crown.

2. Using the abutment as a healing cuff. The dentist will attach the abutment to the external end of the implant. Since the abutment is wider than the dental implant in the jawbone, it allows the gums to heal while leaving ample space for a dental crown. During your last dental appointment, the dentist will remove the healing cuff, and the abutment, then replace it with a dental crown. Sometimes gum reshaping is necessary to match the space to the actual size of the dental crown.

What are the Types of Dental Implant Abutments?

Implant abutments can differ based on the materials used to create them. the common types of dental implant abutments are:

1. Titanium – is a biocompatible metal
2. Other Metal Alloys
3. Metal with Porcelain fused at the base
4. Complete Zirconia
5. Zirconia with a titanium base – also called a zirconia-titanium hybrid abutment

What is the Cost of Dental Implant Abutments?

The cost of an abutment can differ depending on the type of material it features. Typically, an abutment ranges between $300 to $500. This cost is not inclusive of the dental implant or crown placed over it. Therefore, consult our dentist near you beforehand about the entire cost of your implantation treatment.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implant Abutments?

An easy way to appreciate the essence of abutments in tooth replacement procedures is by considering their benefits. They include the following:

• They facilitate gum tissue regeneration.
• Helps make space for the dental crown.
• They stabilize and secure a dental crown.
• When used as a healing cuff, abutments can eliminate the need for multiple surgeries when replacing teeth with dental implants.

Get Custom Dental Implant Abutments Near You

Replacing your teeth after tooth loss can be one of the most satisfying feelings in life. However, it matters to research your preferred treatment before making a concrete decision that will affect the rest of your life. The stakes are higher when considering permanent surgical procedures like dental implants. Are you looking to get a custom abutment implant near Frisco, TX? Call us now or book an appointment with SS Dental to get dental implant custom abutments in Plano, TX!