Do you have one or more missing teeth? Dental implants may be a good replacement option for you. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. They create a permanent base to support a prosthetic tooth or crown.
In the past, patients who suffered from failing teeth, missing teeth, and chronic dental problems were limited to dentures, bridges, and crowns to replace their missing teeth. However, dental implants have changed this because they feel, fit, and function like natural teeth, so they are rapidly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement.
Why do patients find implants so comfortable and secure? Over time, the medical-grade titanium implant fixture fuses to the living bone cells of the jaw, creating a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth. This eliminates the slippage and movement that can occur with dentures. Dental implants also eliminate the problems some patients have with eating, along with the need for repairs and the worry about smiling openly.
Dental Implants Have Three Parts
1. The implant itself is a small titanium screw that is inserted into your jawbone. It attaches permanently to your jaw and acts as a replacement root for your new tooth.
2. The abutment connects the implant and the crown or set of teeth.
3. The crown, also known as a prosthetic tooth, is the part of the tooth that you can see. Typically, for wear and aesthetics, it is made of porcelain or zirconia, a stronger form of ceramic. This is similar to a crown you may have on a natural tooth root.
Ok, I’m interested, but what exactly happens?
Dental implant placement usually involves one surgical procedure, although there are rare cases that require two. The surgeon places the titanium implant into the jaw. As it heals, bone grows around it to encase it. If a second procedure is needed, the abutment is screwed into the implant. Then the crown is created and attached.
You can learn much more about dental implants by reading our Are Dental Implants Right for Me? page and our Benefits of Dental Implants page.
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