What is an abutment in dentistry?

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Replacing all parts of a lost tooth is the most effective way to treat an edentulous tooth. When it is used, an implant is installed in the jaw - a root substitute. Now let us dwell in more detail on what an abutment is in dentistry  during implantation . Outwardly, this element resembles

Features of the use of the abutment

After implantation, titanium pins “take root” for several months, that is, they become overgrown with bone tissue. When artificial roots reach the desired degree of stability, the period of prosthetics begins. First, the dentist mounts the gum formers on them. After two weeks, the soft tissue around the future teeth acquires a natural contour, and after that the abutments are installed. Learn more about Silicone cap for DLOC strong at https://uniqa.dental/product/silicone-cap-for-dloc-strong/

Translated from English, abutment means "support". These elements serve as a transitional link from the implant to the crown, since the prosthesis cannot be installed directly on the artificial root. An exception can only be cases of using one-piece implants, in which the abutment is initially combined with the pin into a single monolithic system. When using the classical installation technique, the root and adapter are separate parts of a collapsible structure.

The abutment is securely connected to the implant immediately after the removal of the healing abutment. Thus, the orthopedic dentist gets the opportunity to begin the next stage of tooth restoration - prosthetics.

Types of abutments in accordance with the specifics of the application

In dental implantology, the following types of adapters are used:

  • Standard. Most often, this type of abutment is installed. Each manufacturer produces die-stamped adapters designed for their product.
  • Individual. They are made taking into account the anatomical features of a particular patient. Therefore, they provide the highest rates of functionality and aesthetics. But their cost is higher.
  • Whole. These are non-separable systems that have a root part and a supporting part for fixing the crown. They are used for one-stage implantation.

Classification by material of manufacture

For the manufacture of abutments are used:

  • Titanium. Adapters from this material are used most often. Titanium models are reliable and affordable, but do not always provide the desired aesthetics of the restoration.
  • Zirconium. Abutments of this type are the most expensive. But they are the most durable and aesthetic, as they do not shine through the gums. However, in combination with titanium implants, they can wear out faster.
  • Combined materials. Manufacturers use various alloys of titanium, zirconium, cobalt, chromium, molybdenum. Prices for such abutments are quite high, but their use increases the functionality and aesthetics of the system.
  • Ceramics. The choice of this material is due, as a rule, to an allergy in the patient, due to which a metal abutment cannot be installed. In addition, ceramic adapters can be used for prosthetics of the anterior group of teeth, when the requirements for aesthetics are especially high.

Abutment shape

Adapters can be in the form of not only the stump of the tooth, but also the ball. Such supports are used, as a rule, for fixing conditionally removable complete dentures. They can be part of a monolithic implant-abutment design.

In addition to standard straight adapters, angled models are also used in dentistry. They are mounted on rods set at a non-standard angle and help to harmoniously connect artificial roots with crowns.

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