A dental implant, or artificial root, is a screw-like structure made mainly of titanium, which is implanted into the bone. A dental implant can be used to replace single or several missing teeth, (as in with a bridge) or teeth can even be replaced completely. This implant slowly becomes just like a tooth root through the ossification process, which means the screw becomes part of the jawbone. The strength that results from this process is the reason implant-supported bridges are the gold standard for replacing 2 or more missing consecutive teeth. A single implant supported bridge can replace up to two missing teeth in a row; for three or more consecutive teeth, two or more implants will be used. To replace entire dentition, four or more implants are needed for both the top and the bottom of the mouth.
When talking about a dental implant, professionals usually mean just this simple screw that is implanted in the bone. Different structures are made on top of the screw, such as crowns and bridges as well as fixed or removable dental prosthetic structures, which are made to look like natural teeth and fit the patient’s exact bite. In colloquial terms, a dental implant often refers to the entire structure, which includes both the screw and the prosthetic structure placed on top. An implant supported bridge is when two or more consecutively missing teeth are supported by one singular implant, with the prosthesis on the screw. Another way to look at it is that it is like a traditional bridge, but instead of using adjacent teeth to secure the prosthetic tooth structure, it uses the post from the implant.
The treatment plan is confirmed based on the discussion with the patient. In addition to a dental implant, a traditional bridge or crown structure made on your own teeth must be remembered as a good form of treatment, though there are more advantages to the implant supported bridge.
With the help of a clinical examination and x-rays, the patient's health situation is determined, as is the suitability of bone and bite for implant treatment. The implant requires bone around it. The amount of bone must be determined before the procedure and, if necessary, it can be modified or built up more.
The mouth must be treated, and the patient's general health must be sufficiently good. For example, unbalanced diabetes and a few other situations can be an obstacle or worsen the prognosis in implant treatment.
As a rule, young clients cannot have an implant placed while they are still growing. In addition, some common diseases, such as unbalanced diabetes, can prevent treatment. Diabetes has an effect on susceptibility to infection and healing. In addition, other situations that seriously impair general health should be considered. The situation is always evaluated in the customer's investigation.
What is involved in getting an implant?
On the day of surgery, a dental implant or dental implants are placed. If the bone needs to be modified, a separate bone graft surgery may have to be performed before the surgery day. Quite often, the necessary amount of bone can be modified during implantation. The ossification time of a dental implant is from a few weeks to a few months. With the help of a clinical examination and an X-ray image, it is confirmed that the implant has ossified, and healing is good. After this, the prosthetic tooth structure or bridge can be manufactured. The preparation of this tooth structure is quick, but ultimately requires one or more visits to ensure proper fit, aesthetics, and bite.