Dental implants offer a durable and long-term option for tooth replacement. These implants also look incredibly natural and can be made to fit seamlessly alongside your natural teeth. It's little wonder that they are becoming increasingly popular on a global scale.

Of course, dental implants are difficult to install: the process requires a range of complex steps, and each one needs to be completed by a trained and capable professional. This can guarantee safety and performance.

The creation and installation of an abutment is one such essential step. The abutment is an indispensable component that connects the gum implant to the crown itself. But which type of abutment is best - custom or stock? Many people try to balance the positive and negatives of custom implant abutments versus stock abutments.

To help you in your decision, here is a closer look at which option could be the best fit for your particular needs.

Essentially, these types of abutments are manufactured to a predetermined variety of standard sizes. This means that they can be used on a variety of implant types, including tissue- and bone-level implants.

But why might a person want to use this type of abutment?

The standard nature of these abutments means that it is easier for dentists to make impressions. This helps to reduce the amount of time that it takes to install and therefore plays a role in further reducing the overall cost. This is one of the key reasons that many patients decide to go for stock implant abutments.

The stock options do come in straight and angled varieties, meaning that they are somewhat adaptable to the specific needs of each patient.

Those are the positives - but why might a dentist decide to use a custom option? Which downsides are they hoping to avoid?

A big issue with stock implants is the fact that tissue will always eventually fit the shape of the abutment. This means that it can become difficult for the dentist to ensure optimal emergence contours, resulting in an unnatural finish. This can also mean that the amount of tissue support provided to neighboring teeth can be lowered.

These stock options also present a challenge in that they make it difficult for the dentist to exercise precise control over the final margin placement of the crown, given that it is simply dependent on the height of the abutment and the depth of the implant.

In a bid to resolve those issues, many dentistry professionals turn to custom implant abutments. Here is a closer look at this exciting alternative.

When it comes to custom implant abutments versus stock abutments, the former often comes out on top. This is because these are hand-crafted to a precise position and this makes them appropriate for use in bone or tissue.

Here is a closer look at the benefits that make this a natural choice for patients pursuing strong dental implants.

Custom implant abutments come in a variety of strong custom materials to guarantee longevity and quality. Some abutments are made from zirconia or titanium, for example, and these offer a quality solution depending on the needs of the individual patient.

This option can also play an important role in assisting with healthy tissue development, as opposed to affecting the amount of tissue support on neighboring teeth.

Another key reason that some patients opt for custom implant abutments versus stock abutments is the fact that it is simpler for the dentist to make angulation corrections. This more sophisticated type of structure can help to offer superior support and also help to boost crown retention.

Aside from the practical benefits, many patients enjoy the peace of mind that a custom implant abutment brings. With this option, patients know that they have the best and they can rest assured that their implant will last a lifetime and help them to live a happy life.

There are no practical downsides to the use of custom implant abutments. The only real downside is the price, but this depends on the individual patient and their circumstances. If they are looking for the strongest and most natural-looking implant that will last a lifetime, they will want to make the additional investment to use a custom abutment.

As you can see, choosing the right abutment for your needs is a balancing act. The only negative factor when it comes to the custom option is the additional price, but if you have the extra money available it is often worth the investment given that you will receive the best implant possible.

If you are having trouble deciding, you should feel comfortable discussing this with your dentist. They will be able to provide you with a transparent answer that has your best interests at heart.

If you are concerned then do not hesitate to get a few opinions on your needs. This is a big decision and you want to make sure that you make the right choice to protect the health of your teeth.

We hope that this look at the pros and cons of custom implant abutments versus stock abutments has helped you to get a better understanding of which is the most appropriate for your needs.

At Ora Dentistry we work around the clock to ensure that every single one of our patients is informed and comfortable. If you have any questions at all about which type of abutment is right for your needs, it will be our pleasure to answer your questions and calm your concerns.

We look forward to receiving your query today and invite you to get in touch with us using the contact method that is the most convenient for you.