What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant – sometimes called a tooth implant or teeth implants – is a substitute for a natural tooth root.
The great majority of dental implants are made from titanium or titanium alloy, materials that have consistently demonstrated to integrate well with bone.
The term ‘osseointegrated implant’ is used to describe a dental implant that has integrated well with the bone and has sufficient stability to support a replacement tooth.
Should a rigorous aftrcare regime be followed, a dental implant is a long-term solution to support a crown, a bridge or a denture.
A Complete Dental Implant Comprises of Three components?
- the dental implant (a titanium screw)
- the abutment (the connecting component, usually made from titanium)
- the crown (made from porcelain or zirconia), bridge or denture
Dental Implants-More Information
There are a large number of different dental implant brands available and when placed by an experienced dental surgeon, they are the best tooth replacement solution there is.
Dental implants are placed into a socket drilled in the location of the planned tooth. A dentist’s goal is to ensure that the implant has very close contact with the bone – to create ‘primary stability’. Over the course of several months, this stability improves with by additional bone growth.
To support the new ‘teeth’ – a crown, bridge or denture – dental implants need a supporting component – called an abutment.
Dental implants are a well-established, tried and tested method for replacing one or more lost teeth. Evidence shows that by following aftercare instructions and maintaining an excellent oral hygiene regime (both at home and by routinely visiting a hygienist), an implant-retained restoration can last 20 years.
