Abutments are attached to the jawbone and allow your replacement teeth to look and feel just like natural teeth.
If you need to replace one or more of your teeth and have decided to go ahead with dental implant surgery, you can expect to enjoy improved oral health and a beautiful smile once your treatment is complete. It is important to understand, however, that you will need to take proper care of your replacement teeth in order to maintain a healthy smile in the long-term. As part of the process of having a dental implant placed, a component known as an abutment will be attached to the top of the implant. The abutment will hold your crown securely in place and ensure that your replacement tooth looks and functions like a natural tooth. Read on to find out why it is so important that you take proper care of this component and how to keep your new teeth in perfect condition…
What are implants and abutments?
A dental implant is a biocompatible titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone. Used to replace a missing tooth, a dental implant is designed to fuse with the jawbone over time. It means that it will become a permanent fixture in the mouth.
When the implant has fused with the jawbone and the implant site has completely healed, an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. This component will hold the crown securely in the correct position.
How should you care for your abutment tooth?
Once you have had your dental implant, abutment and crown placed, it is very important that you practice proper oral hygiene just as you would for your natural teeth. It includes brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and flossing daily. It is also advisable that you see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans. During these appointments, your dentist will check that your crown is in good condition and that the gum tissue surrounding your implant is healthy.
As long as you practice proper oral hygiene and see your dentist on a regular basis, you can expect your dental implants to last for many years. If, however, you do not take proper care of your replacement teeth, you run the risk of developing an issue known as peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis refers to an infection that can be caused by bacteria and plaque that builds up around a dental implant. If left untreated, the infection can lead to some serious problems, including bone loss around the implant. In time, this can even cause implant failure.
Why consider implants?
Everyone would like to maintain healthy natural teeth for life, but the reality is that teeth can be lost or damaged for a number of reasons. Problems like injury, severe tooth decay and infection can all lead to tooth loss, but the good news is that it is possible to replace missing teeth and improve overall oral health. In fact, if you have a gap left by a missing tooth, it is highly beneficial that you address the issue before other oral health problems occur. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause the nearby teeth to shift, which can lead to bite-related problems down the line. Missing teeth can also increase one’s risk of issues like gum disease, plus they often cause cosmetic concerns.
How can we help?
At OMFS, we offer a range of implant and grafting services, including dental implants. If you are missing one or more teeth or are looking for a change from ill-fitting dentures, you might consider dental implant surgery. Implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth and help maintain bone structure and support the facial tissues. In fact, dental implants can reduce or eliminate bone atrophy, which can cause cosmetic changes to the face.
If you would like to find out more about dental implants, how they work, and the benefits they offer, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call at (03) 9347 3788.