Problems often follow losing a tooth. In addition to external problems, these include changes in the bite, reduction of the jawbone at the extraction site, and the resulting gap's effect on speech. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant significantly improves the quality of life and health. Dental implants restore a balanced bite, and you can eat the foods you love without difficulty. In addition, they help stimulate and maintain the jawbone, prevent bone loss and support facial features.
A dental implant or artificial root is a good and sustainable way to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants are installed in the jawbone during a surgical procedure, and then crowns, bridges, or full dentures can be attached to them to match the visible teeth once the implant heals. The dental implant is made of titanium, and the crown part that is attached to the extension between the implant and the crown is tooth-colored porcelain.
The basic structure of a dental implant includes an implant, i.e., a fixture, which is inserted into the jaw and becomes part of the jawbone through a biological process called ossification. After ossification, an extension, or abutment, is attached to the implant. This abutment is the post to which the artificial tooth or teeth will adhere. The artificial tooth, an actual tooth-like white crown, is made to match the rest of your smile and then usually screwed onto the extension.
How does the implant treatment proceed?
1. Consultation and planning
The customer must first have an implant consultation with the dentist performing the treatment. During the consultation, the dentist examines the mouth and takes x-rays, based on which he plans the treatment with the client. The consultation must always be done before the start of the treatment, unless the assessment has been done in connection with other treatment.
Once you and your dentist decide that an implant is right for your case, your dentist will examine the area for your implant, including taking x-rays of your jawbone to determine where to place the implant and whether you have the right bone structure in place for the implant.
2. Installing the implant
At the visit following the consultation, the implant is installed. The gums are opened up and a very small drill is used to prepare the jawbone for the insertion of a titanium implant, or artificial root, directly into the jawbone.
3. Ossification
Ossification refers to the process where the titanium screw becomes part of the jawbone. Titanium is used because it is a bio compatible material, meaning that our bodies don’t reject it very easily and will integrate it into your system, rather than reject and fight it off. Complete ossification can take several months, depending on each patient’s unique health and biology.
4. Bridge Installation
When the ossification is complete and the implanted area has healed, the final bridge is fitted over your missing teeth. The prosthesis is usually made of ceramic, so that it looks exactly like a natural tooth.