Understanding How A Dental Implant Actually Works

Understanding How A Dental Implant Actually Works

Dental implant procedures have become very popular and are one of the most effective means of replacing a tooth. Find out how they’re done.

Most people are self-conscious about wearing dentures because they think they are uncomfortable.

Additionally, it may also be because they are afraid of having another good tooth removed to provide the space for bridging.

With this in mind, a dental implant can be the best and most practical option for you if you fall under this category.

Dental implants are more secure, you don’t have to worry about removing the dentures every night before going to bed, or your teeth falling off every time you have to sneeze or cough a cold out.

If you are reading this and considering a periodontist you should make sure they use quality dental implants from renowned manufacturers.

Here are some important things you should know about dental implants.

Understanding How A Dental Implant Actually Work

This is how a dental implant looks like.

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that is surgically implanted in the bone or the periosteal layer to replace a missing tooth.

This is done by inserting a metallic anchor into your jawbone to provide a permanent support for the crown.

A dental implant comprises of three main parts, these being the crown, the connector, and the base.

  1. Crown – This is the outer part of the implant, mostly made of ceramic and looks like a natural tooth.
  2. Connector/abutment – a hexagonal/octagonal structure that connects the crown to the base.
  3. Base – Made of titanium, the screw-like part that attaches the prosthetic tooth to the jawbone.

The best time to get a dental implant is usually eight months after a tooth has been removed. This is enough time for the tissue around the bone to have completely healed.

There are two main ways of installing dental implants:

  1. The first one involves waiting for about six months to allow the gingiva to close up over the implant site. This is also known as delayed load implant.
  2. The second one involves an immediately attaching the crown after the insertion of the dental implant (immediate implant loading).

What Does The Implant Process Involve?

The implant procedure replaces the natural tooth root with a metallic screw like post to replace the missing tooth with an artificial one.

The dental implant surgery procedure involves a series of two processes:

1. Comprehensive Dental Exam

This involves the dentists taking dental X-rays to ascertain your jaw structure. This makes it possible for dentists to come up with the model of your teeth and mouth.

2. Treatment Plan

This is an important stage that helps determine the number of teeth you’ll need to be replaced depending on your current issue and jawbone structure.

This is also an important stage for facial specialists to take into account your facial appearance.

If you’d like to read more about the process, Chandler implant dentists have written a great guide which goes into a lot more detail about how the process works.

Dental Implant Materials

Today, there are two common types of dental implant materials used in the making of dental implants. These include:

  1. Zirconia Dental Materials – this material was first introduced in the dental implant market in the early 1990s.
  2. Titanium Dental Materials – titanium has been found to be the best dental implant material as it does not interfere with the jaw bone. Additionally, it allows the jaw bone to continue growing next to them. It’s actually the most common of dental implant materials, specifically for the base.

Results

Most dental implant procedures are successful. There are, however, some lifestyle habits that may affect the results.

Here are the habits that have been found to have a negative effect on the success of dental implant procedures, especially if done in the first days after the implant:

  • Smoking and vaping.
  • Eating hard foods like nuts, chips, popcorn, etc.
  • Drinking hot or cold beverages. Make sure they are at the room temperature.
  • Brushing your teeth as usual. While you should brush them as before the implants, it is advisable to take gentle care around the inflicted area.

As you can see, dental implant procedures help you restore your healthy smile, but it all depends on you to keep it clean and shiny in the long term.

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