Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, dental implants are the best option for restoring your smile. They look just like natural teeth, and they can last a lifetime. As long as they are placed precisely and use the best components, you’ll never need to have them replaced. For instance, the type of implant abutments used for the surgery can have a major impact on its success. We compare the pros and cons of custom implant abutments vs. stock abutments below.
Understanding Dental Implant Anatomy
Before we compare custom implant abutments to stock abutments, let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of a dental implant. This will help you understand the role of the abutment and how it contributes to the success of an implant procedure.
Dental implants have three main components:
- The Implant Post
As the foundation of a dental implant, the titanium implant post is surgically grafted into the jawbone. It serves as an artificial tooth root and holds the implant in place.
- The Abutment
This component connects the implant post to the restoration, providing a stable base for a crown or arch.
- The Restoration
The prosthetic restoration is the visible part of the dental implant, and it resembles a natural tooth. It can be either a crown for a single tooth, or a hybrid denture that replaces a full arch of teeth.
Custom Implant Abutments: Pros and Cons
Designed in a dental laboratory, custom abutments are precisely tailored to fit the unique contours of the patient’s mouth. Detailed digital scans are used to craft abutments with the right shape and angulation to mimic the way that person’s natural teeth emerge from their gums.
Overall, custom abutments fit more precisely, have a more natural appearance, and function better than stock abutments. However, they take more time and can be more expensive.
Pros:
- Precise Fit
Custom abutments are designed to perfectly match the shape and angulation of the implant so the crown has optimal support.
- Natural Appearance
Since custom abutments are designed with your gum tissue and adjacent teeth in mind, they look more natural and blend seamlessly into your smile.
- Enhanced Lifespan
The precise fit of custom abutments reduces the risk of complications such as bone loss, implant failure, and bacterial infections, so you get long-lasting results.
Cons:
- Cost
Custom abutments typically cost more than stock abutments, due to the additional time and labor required to make them.
- Time
The fabrication process for custom abutments takes some time, so you may have to wait longer to complete the implant procedure.
Stock Implant Abutments
Stock abutments are prefabricated and come in a range of standard shapes and sizes. While they are both convenient and cost-effective, stock abutments cannot provide the same level of precision when it comes to implant position, angle, and depth. Compared to custom abutments, stock implants often look and feel less natural. In some cases, they can even lead to infections that cause implant failure.
Pros:
- Cost-Efficient
Stock implant crown abutments are typically more budget-friendly than custom abutments.
- Quick Results
Stock abutments are readily available, so the treatment process takes less time.
Cons:
- Not Very Precise
Stock abutments are only available in limited shapes and angulations, which makes it difficult to achieve the precise placement needed.
- Aesthetic Limitations
Due to their standardized design, stock abutments do not blend in as seamlessly.
- Risk of Implant Failure
In some cases, stock abutments can cause gaps between the gums and the restoration. These gaps can harbor bacteria and lead to infections that cause implant failure.
Custom Dental Implants in South Jordan
If you want to transform your smile with dental implants, custom abutments are crucial for achieving the best results. At Copper Creek Dental, we can provide dental implants with custom restorations and abutments so that your new teeth look natural, and feel comfortable, and last as long as possible. We also use guided implant surgery to ensure precise placement and optimal function. To schedule a consultation, call us at 801-280-1911 today.
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