At The Briars Dental Centre, we believe that informed patients make better decisions about their dental health. If you’re considering dental implants or already have implants that need maintenance, understanding the components involved can help you appreciate the complexity of these remarkable tooth replacement solutions. Welcome to dental implant components – a complete guide!
A dental implant isn’t a single piece but rather a sophisticated system made up of three main components working together to create a functional, aesthetic replacement for missing teeth:
1. The Implant Fixture
The implant fixture is the foundation of the entire system. It is a small titanium or zirconia post surgically placed into your jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. It undergoes a process called osseointegration, where it fuses with your natural bone to create a stable foundation.
The implant fixture itself contains threads for initial stability during placement and features micro-texturing on the surface to encourage bone integration. These fixtures come in various lengths and diameters to suit different clinical situations and are designed with specific connection types at the top to attach to other components.
2. The Abutment
The abutment is the connecting piece between the implant fixture and the final crown or prosthetic. This component is typically attached to the implant once healing has occurred.
Abutments are usually made from titanium, zirconia, or gold alloy and come in various shapes and angulations to accommodate different clinical situations. The most important aspect of an abutment is that it contains specific connection designs that must match the implant fixture. They can be stock (pre-manufactured) or custom-made for aesthetic cases, and may be screwed or cemented, depending on the system and clinical requirements.
3. The Prosthetic Crown
The crown is the visible part of the implant system—the portion to look and function like a natural tooth. This component is custom-made to match your existing teeth in shape, size, and colour.
Crowns are typically crafted from high-quality materials such as porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Each crown is engineered to withstand biting and chewing forces and can be attached via cement or screws, depending on the system. They may be a single crown or part of a bridge or full-arch restoration.
One of the most important aspects of dental implants that patients should understand is that implant systems are not universally compatible. Each major dental implant manufacturer develops their own proprietary designs with unique features, connections, and components.
Why Different Implant Systems Matter
Different implant manufacturers have developed their own systems with various connection types, thread designs, and surface treatments. These differences might seem subtle, but they significantly impact how the components work together and how dentists maintain them over time.
Connection types vary widely between manufacturers and even between different product lines from the same manufacturer. These can include internal hex connections, external hex connections, conical connections, tri-lobe connections, and various proprietary designs.
Each system requires specific instruments and components designed to work precisely with their implants. This specialisation ensures optimal fit, stability, and long-term success of the implant restoration.
The Compatibility Challenge
When patients have implant placement at one practice and then seek maintenance or restoration at another, compatibility issues may arise. Here’s why we may not always be able to work on implants placed elsewhere:
If you have dental implants that were placed at a different practice, whether that’s in the UK or abroad, it’s essential to know what type of implant you have. Whenever possible, obtain documentation about your implant type, manufacturer, and dimensions from your previous dentist. An x-ray alone does not always give us the information we need.
When seeking treatment at The Briars or any dental practice, bring this information to your initial consultation. This helps us determine whether we have the appropriate components and tools to provide the care you need.
Be aware that in some cases, we may need to refer you back to your original provider or to a specialist who works with your specific implant system. While this might seem inconvenient, it ensures you receive the most appropriate care for your particular implant. This should always be an important consideration when looking into implant placement, particularly when that falls outside of the UK.Â
At The Briars Dental Centre, our multidisciplinary team is always on hand, providing the highest standard of implant care. We use premium, well-established implant systems with excellent long-term clinical documentation. We also maintain and obtain comprehensive training on the latest implant techniques and technologies.
When it comes to maintaining implants placed elsewhere, we will carefully review and assess your existing implants. This allows us to determine if we have the appropriate components and tools, and provide honest recommendations based on what’s best for your oral health.
Dental implants represent one of the most significant advances in modern dentistry. Dental implants offer a long-term solution for missing teeth when properly maintained. Understanding the complexity of implant systems can help you appreciate why compatibility matters and why seeking care from experienced implant providers is essential.
At The Briars Dental Centre, we are here to help you achieve your dental goals with personalised, high-quality solutions. Whether you’re considering implants for the first time or need maintenance for existing implants, get in touch with us.
For more information about dental implants, contact The Briars Dental Centre today!
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