Dental implants are an effective way to replace teeth that are missing. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The different 
parts of a dental implant include the fixture, abutment, and crown. These parts are designed to make the implant a permanent fixture in your mouth. For patients in the Baltimore area needing dental implants, turn to Dr. James Delaney, Jr., and Dr. Melanie Burke for help.
Implant Fixture
The foundation or base of a dental implant is the fixture. It is the first part that is installed. The implant fixture is made from hypoallergenic titanium metal.
The implant fixture is drilled into the jawbone so that it sits below the gum line. Over time, the fixture fuses with the jawbone for a strong, permanent hold. Once in place, the fixture acts as a root for the replacement tooth to be installed. It can take several months for the fixture to fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration. The remaining parts of the dental implant are not installed until osseointegration is complete.
The Abutment
The abutment sits along the gum line and is the part of a dental implant that holds the replacement tooth in place. The abutment is screwed onto the fixture, then the replacement tooth is attached to the abutment. Normally, the abutment is not installed until after the implant fixture has fused with the jawbone. It can take between five and six months from the time the fixture is installed to when the abutment is attached to it. Once the abutment has been added, the replacement tooth can finally be installed.
The Crown
The final component of a dental implant is the crown. This is an artificial tooth that replaces the original one that was missing or removed. In some cases, a bridge or dentures might be installed instead of a single crown. The crown is either cemented or screwed on to the abutment. If dentures are being installed, those are typically snapped into place over the abutment. Once installed, the crown will look and function like a regular tooth.
There are many options in Baltimore, MD, for having dental implants installed. For a positive experience with professional results, contact Dr. Delaney or Dr. Burke for your dental implants by calling (410) 764-7764.