I am looking into dental implants for a couple of irreparably damaged teeth. I understand that there are three parts to the implant process: the implant itself, the abutment, and the crown. I also understand that if you enlist an oral surgeon for this procedure that he/she will perform the implant surgery, and your dentist will handle the crown. However I can't get a straight answer as to who (typically) handles the abutment: the surgeon or the dentist?
August 10, 2021
Answer: Dentist You seem very knowledgable on the steps/procedure. It can get confusing, especially because there are two types of abutments placed throughout the process. One is by the oral surgeon and one is by the general dentist. After the implant is placed and heals within the bone, the oral surgeon uncovers the implant and places a healing abutment. This abutment gets your gums ready for the crown so it looks natural. You usually see the general dentist 2 weeks after the healing abutment is placed for an impression to have a custom abutment and crown made for your implant. This abutment is the connector between the implant and the crown.
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August 10, 2021
Answer: Dentist You seem very knowledgable on the steps/procedure. It can get confusing, especially because there are two types of abutments placed throughout the process. One is by the oral surgeon and one is by the general dentist. After the implant is placed and heals within the bone, the oral surgeon uncovers the implant and places a healing abutment. This abutment gets your gums ready for the crown so it looks natural. You usually see the general dentist 2 weeks after the healing abutment is placed for an impression to have a custom abutment and crown made for your implant. This abutment is the connector between the implant and the crown.
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January 18, 2021
Answer: Implants and their restoration Different dental practices work in different ways. Some practices have an oral surgeon who does the surgical aspect and places the implants and another dentist will do the restoration (the abutment and crown). In other practices the same dental surgeon will place the implants and do the restoration as well.It is not necessary for an oral surgeon to do the surgical work, but dentists who don't place implants may refer their patients to a surgeon who does, either at another practice and to a visiting surgeon at their own practice.The advantage to the patient of the same dentist carrying out all the work is that if there is a problem, although this is rare, there is no confusion as to who should deal with it.So in answer to your query, look into who will be doing the treatment and satisfy yourself that the dental surgeons involved are knowledgeable and experienced.I trust that this helpsBest wishesDr Ian Hallam MBE
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January 18, 2021
Answer: Implants and their restoration Different dental practices work in different ways. Some practices have an oral surgeon who does the surgical aspect and places the implants and another dentist will do the restoration (the abutment and crown). In other practices the same dental surgeon will place the implants and do the restoration as well.It is not necessary for an oral surgeon to do the surgical work, but dentists who don't place implants may refer their patients to a surgeon who does, either at another practice and to a visiting surgeon at their own practice.The advantage to the patient of the same dentist carrying out all the work is that if there is a problem, although this is rare, there is no confusion as to who should deal with it.So in answer to your query, look into who will be doing the treatment and satisfy yourself that the dental surgeons involved are knowledgeable and experienced.I trust that this helpsBest wishesDr Ian Hallam MBE
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