Scroll Top

What is an Implant Abutment?

What is an Implant Abutment?

Dental Implant Diagram

You’ve probably heard us mention an implant abutment in previous blog posts and may have been wondering what exactly that is and why it is important. In this case we will show you what an abutment is and why it is needed in order to put a tooth on your implant.

Missing Tooth

In this particular situation the person is missing their lower back right tooth. It will take three things to replace this tooth:

  • An implant
  • An abutment
  • A crown

Step One – Place the Implant

Step one – Place the implant

The first step is a minor surgery to place the implant into the bone. Once the implant is healed, an impression is taken so that the abutment and crown can be made. This X-Ray shows the impression being taken after the implant is healed.

Step Two – Digital Abutment Design

Step 2 - Digital Abutment Design

These images show how the dentist and the lab digitally design a custom titanium abutment. This abutment will be milled out of a solid piece of titanium by a special milling machine and then it will will screw into the implant and support the crown.

In short, the abutment is the “connecting piece” that joins the implant and the crown together.

Step Three – Digital Crown. Design

Step 3 - Digital Crown Design

Now that the abutment is finished, the crown can be designed. These images show how the crown is digitally designed. This is the actual “tooth” part of the equation.

Final Product

Final Product – Abutment and Crown in the mouth

The blue arrow shows the new implant, abutment and crown after being delivered. You can see why the abutment is so important… without it, there would be no way to attach the crown to the implant!

If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth and are considering dental implants, please contact our office to set up a consultation. Also, you can find out more information about our dental implant services here.