Dental implants are widely acknowledged as the superior method of tooth replacement. As dental technology advances, dental implants are becoming more reliable.
Digital abutments are one of the advancements that have helped to change the implant procedure and make it both easier for the patient and more likely to produce predictable results. Take a look at some of the ways this new advancement in digital dentistry is improving the dental implant process.
Better for The Patient
Abutments provide a connection between the implant and the crown.
A dental implant has three basic parts:
1. The titanium implant, which integrates with your jawbone and serves as a tooth root, 2. The tooth-shaped crown that serves as the visible, functional tooth substitute, and
3. The abutment, which is a connector piece that attaches the two together.
The titanium implant is put in place first, then impressions of your teeth are taken in order to shape and create the crown.
In analog dentistry, the abutment is placed on top of the implant, then the dentist makes an impression of your teeth by covering the abutment with a modeling substance and allowing it to “set” in your mouth before removing it. It becomes a mold that allows the lab to create the crown. This is a time-consuming and sometimes unpleasant process for the patient, especially those with dental anxiety or sensitive gag reflexes.
Digital abutments streamline the process considerably. Once the abutment is in place, the dentist uses a scanning device to create a digital impression of the abutment. This requires far less time and set up and requires no modeling material in the patient’s mouth, making the procedure relatively pleasant for the patient. Basically, you’ll spend less time in the dentist’s chair, and the time you do spend there may actually be enjoyable.
Better for the Dentist
Digital abutments provide accurate scans that dentists can use for a model, facilitating proper placement.
In addition to being a more comfortable procedure for the patient, digital abutments streamline the process of placing implants for the dentist. The analog dental implant procedure contains a number of different steps. The more steps that are involved, the greater the chances for problems to occur at any of those stages. By reducing the number of steps involved, digital abutments also reduce the chance of complications during the procedure.
Newly designed digital abutments, as well as scan posts that can be used to scan images that are used for placement purposes, serve to help dentists achieve an accurate placement technique and reduce the difficulty of making needed angle adjustments. Take a look at this video explanation of how scan posts are used to gather accurate digital impressions during the dental implant process.
Digital dental technology is advancing rapidly, making many improvements in dental procedures that patients undergo. This technology helps to improve planning, techniques, and quality of care. If you’re considering dental crowns, bridges, partials, or implants, be sure to ask your dentist about digital abutments and implant-guided dentistry. Contact us to request information.
