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The dental implant fixture is a metal anchor or screw which is surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. It is made of titanium and other special alloys that fuse well with bone over time.
An abutment attaches the implant to the replacement tooth, providing stability and strength to hold it in place.
The dental crown is the visible part of the implant and matches the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth. It is custom-made from porcelain or other materials to look like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are a great dental solution for those who want to restore their smile and improve their oral health. Dental implants provide an ideal permanent solution than dentures because they are actually implanted into the jawbone. Unlike dentures, dental implants don't slip, click or cause embarrassing moments in public.
Four main dental implant procedures usually take several months to complete. The four core stages are:
Replacing missing teeth is important, and it is not just for aesthetic purposes. It helps to maintain the shape of your face, which can change with age, and it also enables you to speak, chew, and eat properly. Additionally, having missing teeth can lead to a shift in your other teeth as they try to fill in the gap left by the missing one. It can lead to misalignment and an uneven bite, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, or even TMJ disorders. Finally, replacing missing teeth helps restore self-confidence and allows you to enjoy a complete smile.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to replacing missing teeth and can be used when other solutions, such as dentures or dental bridges, can no longer do the job. If you have a missing tooth, your dentist may recommend dental implants to fill in the gap left behind. It is especially true if the gap is causing misalignment of your other teeth or if it is making it difficult for you to chew properly. Dental implants can also replace multiple missing teeth, helping you restore your natural smile and improve your oral health. Additionally, dental implants can help prevent bone loss in the jawbone that occurs when a tooth is missing.
During the initial dental implant consultation, your dentist will assess your dental and general health, take x-rays and 3D intraoral scanning, discuss any treatment options, and determine if you are a good candidate for a dental implant.
If your jawbone is too soft or thin to support a dental implant, then a sinus lift and bone grafting may be necessary. It involves adding additional bone in order to create a strong foundation for the dental implant. Generally, it takes about 4-6 months for the bone graft to heal before implant placement adequately.
Implant placement requires accurate planning and skilful execution. Your dentist will carefully measure the exact location of the implant and make sure to place it in a stable position. Once the area is healthy and ready for implant placement, your dentist will use a surgical drill to place the implant into your jawbone. The implant is typically made from titanium and acts as a root for a crown or bridge.
After implant placement, your jawbone will need to heal and form a bond with the titanium implant. This process is known as osseointegration and typically takes between three and six months. During this time, it is important that you follow all of your dentist's instructions for aftercare, including regular oral hygiene and dietary adjustments.
Once your jawbone has healed and osseointegrated with the implant, your dentist will place a prosthetic over the implant. The prosthetic will be custom-made to match your surrounding teeth' shape, size, and colour for a seamless look. Depending on your needs, it can be a crown, bridge, or denture.
Your dentist may also recommend a follow-up checkup to ensure that the implant is functioning properly and that your jawbone is healing well. This visit typically occurs one to two months after prosthesis placement. During this appointment, your dentist will review any concerns you may have, take x-rays to assess the implant's progress, and discuss any further treatment needed.
