Posted on 2/2/2024 by Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery
A dental implant is a special surgical component whose primary purpose is to connect with your jaw or skull bone to help hold up a dental replacement like a removable denture, crown, or bridge.
To put the dental implant securely inside the jawbone, you need a little surgery. You might need one or more of these implants, depending on the situation. For example, you might be missing one tooth. In that case, a single implant is placed. But if you are missing all of the teeth in one part of your mouth, you might need four to eight implants to support the replacement teeth. It is like customizing the number of anchors needed to make sure your new teeth stay securely in place. The structure of the dental implant system primarily includes:
The Dental Implant
A dental implant is a specialized screw. It has a textured surface and gradually widens as it approaches your gums. This unique dental implant is crafted from a biocompatible metal known as titanium, which is chosen for its compatibility with the human body.
Titanium is the go-to material because of its remarkable ability to fuse with the surrounding bone, creating a strong bond that securely holds the implant in place. This essential process is called osseointegration, turning the implant into a durable and dependable alternative to the natural roots of your teeth. In simpler terms, it becomes a solid foundation for a reliable and long-lasting smile.
Abutment
Once the healing is all done, artificial devices called implant abutments are connected to the dental implants. These abutments are crucial in linking the implant fixtures to the removable denture, crown, or bridge.
Prosthetic Device
Dental implants serve as versatile supports for a wide range of prosthetic solutions. The possibilities are diverse, from individual dental crowns to dental bridges and different types of removable dentures specially designed to attach to implants. These implants act like reliable anchors, offering a secure foundation for dental prosthetics. You can contact us if you consider dental implants the most appropriate option for your missing teeth.