Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used to counter tooth loss. They are made from titanium and are placed in the areas of missing teeth. Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants.
Strong, durable and natural in appearance, implants are among the most successful dental procedures performed.
Tooth Loss
Teeth are lost because of:
- Tooth decay
- Root canal failure
- Periodontitis (gum disease)
- Trauma to the mouth
- Excessive wear and tear
- Congenital defects
People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary health problems like malnutrition. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide a simple remedy with proven results.
Advantages of Implant Dentistry
Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant can serve to support a crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures (overdentures) to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation. Today's dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth. This appearance is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone. Implants are typically placed in a single sitting but require a period of osseointegration.
Osseointegration is the process by which direct anchorage of a dental implant root and the bone of the jaw occurs. Osseointegrated implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental implant. An osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal, at which point your dentist can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown. Once the implant has anchored with the jawbone, artificial prosthesis may be attached and the process is done.
Final Restoration:
There are 3 parts to the final implant restoration, the implant itself, the abutement, and the crown. The abutement is screwed into the implant and serves as the “anchor” to place the crown on. These are made from either titanium or gold, each having its advantages and should chosen on an individual basis. The crown is cemented over the abutement.