Dr. Andrew C. Cobb is a Washington, D.C. expert implantologist that offers patients affordable dental implant services from start to finish. A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root. It can support a custom dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. A dentist secures it permanently in the jaw to create a secure fit.
The post acts as a tooth root, stimulating healthy bone growth to avoid jaw shrinkage which often occurs after tooth loss. A dental implant functions like a natural tooth, enabling patients to enjoy normal speech and a healthy diet without restrictions. With proper dental care and good oral hygiene, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Parts of the Dental Implant
A dental implant is made up of 3 parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the prosthetic tooth.
Implant post
This is the bottom part of the dental implant that we surgically embed into your jaw bone, below the gum line. It is shaped like a cylinder and resembles a screw. It’s made up of biocompatible titanium that will eventually fuse to the jaw bone creating a permanent and secure bond. This titanium post will act as the tooth root. Using Dr. Cobb’s specific treatment plan, a local Washington, D.C. oral surgeon or periodontist will surgically place the dental implants.
Abutment
This is a small part that connects to the implant post. Dr. Cobb will connect the abutment to the implant post after it has fully fused to the bone. It usually takes around 3-4 months for it to fuse. The abutment will screw right onto the implant post and will sit right at the gum line. This part will support the dental prosthesis.
Prosthetic tooth
The prosthetic tooth can be a dental crown for a single missing tooth. We cement the dental crown onto the abutment. We will use a dental bridge or denture for multiple missing teeth. Your dentist can secure any restoration to the abutment by simply snapping them into place. The prosthetic tooth is the part that will look like a tooth (teeth). We will color-match the prosthetic so it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Prompt and effective tooth replacement is important for not only your dental health but for your overall quality of life. Although there are many options today for replacing one or more lost teeth, dental implants provide the most natural-looking and functioning results with the highest rate of overall patient satisfaction. Other restorations may require costly touch-ups and replacement over the years. With proper dental care and good oral hygiene, a dental implant can last a lifetime. Schedule an appointment online today.
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