Dental Implant
A dental implant is a surgical component that is used to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, or denture. It's typically made of titanium or a titanium alloy, which is biocompatible and allows the implant to fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.
The success of dental implants depends on various factors, including the quality and quantity of the jawbone, oral hygiene, and overall health.
Here's a basic overview of how dental implants work:
- Implant Fixture: This is a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. It acts as a replacement root for the missing tooth. Titanium is used because it integrates well with bone through a process called osseointegration.
- Healing: After placement, there is a healing period during which the implant fuses with the bone. This process can take several months.
- Abutment: This is a connector piece that is placed on top of the implant fixture once it has integrated with the bone. The abutment protrudes through the gum and provides a base for the final restoration.
- Crown or Prosthesis: The final part of the implant system is the artificial tooth, which can be a single crown, a bridge, or a denture, depending on the number of teeth being replaced. The crown is custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth.