Questions About Dental Implants
Posted on: 25 July 2016
A dental implant is a popular method of replacing a tooth. Here is some information about implants to make them easier to understand:
What material is used to make a dental implant?
Since a dental implant will rest in the jawbone, it is important for it to be accepted by the body. A delay in wound healing caused by the body's rejection of the implant could result in implant failure, so only a biocompatible material can be used to construct an implant rod or screw. Implants are typically made of titanium, which tends to be non-reactive.
How is an implant installed?
A dental implant is surgically installed at the site where the natural tooth was lost. After local anesthesia is applied, the implant is painlessly drilled into the bone.
Why does an implant stay in place?
A dental implant becomes stabilized in the mouth through osseointegration, which is the fusion of the implant to the jawbone. The osseointegration is completed over several months and allows an implant to be as stable as a natural tooth.
If the other teeth in your mouth are eventually lost, does the implant need to be removed before a denture or dental bridge can be installed?
If you eventually lose other teeth in your mouth, your dental implant does not prevent the installation of other appliances, such as a denture or bridge. When an implant is used to replace a single tooth, an abutment and crown are applied to ensure that the portion of the tooth exposed above the gum line is properly restored. The crown and abutment can be removed to allow the easy installation of a bridge or denture.
Additionally, the implant can act as a support for the bridge or denture. The implant can be covered by a bridge crown to secure the bridge in the mouth. For implant-supported dentures, a mechanism positioned on the underside of the appliance can connect to a dental implant to keep the denture firmly in place.
Are there special requirements for a dental implant?
In order for a dental implant to be placed, there should be sufficient jawbone density available. Additionally, your blood sugar should be stable to ensure that it does not interfere with the wound healing process. Tobacco use should also be avoided.
To learn more about dental implants and how they can replace your lost teeth, visit an implant dentist in your area.
Share