06 Jan Understanding The Anatomy of Teeth and How It Relates to Dental Implants
The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, Texas, has helped numerous patients achieve the important goal of looking and feeling good. A healthy and radiant smile is possible with our dental services.One of our many services includes helping patients improve their smiles with dental implants. Dental implants are used to replace missing or lost teeth. So, how do they work? How does an artificial replacement work with the current anatomy of the teeth?
Teeth are positioned in the mouth based on the gums and jawline. This breaks down into two parts:
- The Crown—This is the part of the tooth that is exposed above the gum line.
- The Root—This is the section of the tooth that is positioned below the gum line that anchors into your jaw.
When a patient gets dental implants, the artificial replacement needs to fit in the jawline naturally. In order to do this, the dental implant is made up of three main parts: the fixture, the abutment, and the dental prosthetic. The fixture helps the dental plant anchor in the root.
The fixture, which is a small, cylindrical screw, is placed into the jawbone to act as a tooth root. The fixture mimics the function of natural tooth roots, which is the section of the tooth that is positioned below the gum line.
The abutment is a small piece that acts as a connector between the fixture and the dental prosthetic. One side screws into the fixture and the other side keep the dental prosthetic secure.
Once secure, the dental prosthetic acts as the crown. The crown, which is every part of the tooth that is exposed above the gum line, has multiple layers. The layers include enamel, dentin, and pulp. Since the dental prosthetic is artificial, it does not have these layers but still requires proper care and maintenance.
Schedule an Appointment
At The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, Texas, our knowledgeable and friendly staff are here to assist patients with all matters related to dental care. Dr. Maxey is ready to help any and all patients considering dental implants with the process. Schedule an appointment with The Dental Place to get one step closer to a brighter and healthier smile.
Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.