Implants Table of Contents

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth. But what are the components of a dental implant? Let’s take a look at the structure of a dental implant, where they’re placed, and how they work to restore your smile.

A model of a tooth with a dental tool in it.

Understanding the Anatomy of Dental Implants

Dental implants are prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth by surgically embedding them into the jawbone. The jawbone, which includes both the upper maxilla and lower mandible, provides a stable foundation for supporting dental implants. Implants are titanium or zirconium posts and an abutment, which together allow for a surgeon to attach a prosthetic device, such as a crown, a bridge, implant supported dentures, or a full arch prosthetic.

Implant Fixture

This is a small, screw-like post typically made of titanium (or sometimes zirconium). The implant fixture serves as an artificial tooth root, on which an abutment can be attached.

Abutment

Once the implant fixture has integrated with the surrounding bone tissue through a process called osseointegration, an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. The abutment protrudes above the gum line and serves as a connector between the implant fixture and the prosthetic crown.

Prosthetic Crown

The prosthetic crown is the visible part of the dental implant restoration that resembles a natural tooth or arch. It is custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of the patient's natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with the surrounding dentition. The prosthetic crown is typically attached to the abutment via dental cement or screws. Crowns can be made of materials such as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), dental ceramic, zirconia, or a hybrid of acrylic resins and composites.

From Crown to All-on-Fours

What Are the Different Kinds of Implants?

If you’ve learned what a dental implant is composed of and understand why many people get dental implants, you may also wonder about the specific types of dental implant. Many procedures involving dental implants begin the same way, but the details will vary by patient and procedure. In typical cases, a surgeon will embed a titanium implant, also known as a fixture, into the jaw bone and attach an abutment on which a prosthetic can be installed via glue or screws. In cases where a patient has compromised jaw bone density, other procedures can still offer options (see“other implant implant types” below), though the more typical implant types are as follows.

Single Implant (Crown)

A single implant with a crown is a dental restoration used to replace a single missing tooth. An implant dentist will insert a titanium implant into the jawbone, which serves as an artificial tooth root. Afterwards, a temporary prosthetic is placed while the surrounding bone heals. Once healed, the surgeon attaches a post (also called an abutment) on which a prosthetic natural tooth (a crown) can be attached.

A model of a tooth with a hole in the middle.

Bridge Implant

A bridge implant, also known as an implant-supported bridge, is used to replace multiple adjacent missing teeth. A surgeon will attach two or more titanium implants to the jawbone, depending on the number of missing teeth and the span of the bridge after which a temporary tooth or essix tray is placed. Implant-supported bridges offer several advantages over traditional bridges, including improved stability, durability, and preservation of adjacent tooth structure.

A dental model of a tooth with implants.

Full Arch /Full Mouth Replacement

Full arch (also known as an all-on-fours) or full mouth replacement (basically, all-on-fours for the top and bottom of your mouth) involves the comprehensive restoration of all missing teeth in one or both dental arches. This treatment approach is suitable for patients with extensive tooth loss, severely compromised dentition, or those seeking a permanent solution for complete tooth replacement. This procedure involves surgically embedding several titanium implants in the jaw on which a prosthetic can be attached. One great benefit of all-on-fours is that after the initial procedure, you’ll often be able to go home the same day with a temporary 3D-printed arches, which stimulates bone growth and enhances healing.

A model of a human mouth with implants attached to it.

Implant-Supported Dentures/Snap-On Dentures

Implant supported dentures (also known as snap-on dentures) are similar to full-arch implants, and use several titanium implants surgically placed across the jaw bone. These implants then support an overdenture that snaps into place. Implant supported dentures are an alternative to full arch implants when a patient needs to replace a full arch. Implant supported dentures are easy to remove and clean and offer many advantages over traditional dentures, though may not offer the longevity or bite force that a full arch implant might.

A model of a teeth with gums and gum bridges.

Other Implants

Palatal Implants
These implants are placed in the palate (roof of the mouth) when there is insufficient bone in the jaw or when bone grafting procedures are not feasible. Palatal implants may be used to support overdentures or prostheses in the upper jaw.
Zygomatic Implants
In cases of severe bone loss in the upper jaw, particularly in the posterior region, zygomatic implants may be an option. These implants are anchored in the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) rather than the maxillary bone, providing an alternative solution for patients with inadequate bone volume in the upper jaw.
Nasal Floor or Sinus Lift Implants
Sometimes, the sinus cavity may encroach on the space needed for implant placement in the upper jaw. In such cases, a procedure known as a sinus lift or sinus augmentation may be performed to raise the sinus floor and create additional space for implant placement

These alternative implant placement options expand the possibilities for patients with specific dental needs, providing additional solutions for tooth replacement and restoration of oral function and aesthetics.

Do you still have questions about periodontal care in Houston?

Use the navigation above to answer questions about gum disease, gum recession, or other periodontal diseases. You can also reach out to our team directly to schedule a consultation or to get more information about periodontal services, to learn about the cost of periodontal treatment, and more.