Dental Implants Explained

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw bone to support a crown or bridge or to act as an orthodontic anchor. It is made of titanium, a lightweight metal that has excellent biocompatibility (the ability to meld with human bone) and strength. Other materials may be used in some cases, such as zirconium oxide or gold alloys. The type of dental implant system your dentist uses will depend on the condition of your teeth and your individual needs.

Implants can replace one or more missing teeth and, unlike bridgework that requires the grinding down of healthy adjacent teeth, implants preserve natural tooth structure and significantly reduce bone resorption and deterioration. They also help restore the function of your bite and facial appearance, which can be affected by loss of teeth or by wearing dentures.서울0.1치과의원

In addition, dental implants can improve your oral hygiene by eliminating the need for removable appliances such as a partial or full denture. Implants can make eating and chewing more comfortable, and they can improve your speech. They also eliminate the need for a gum lift to prepare adjacent teeth for bridgework and reduce the possibility of infection in the jaw bone or adjacent teeth.

The success of an implant depends on several factors, including the quality and quantity of your bone. Your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth to determine whether you have enough bone in the upper and lower jaw to support an implant. If you do not, your dentist may recommend a bone graft before proceeding with the implant. The bone where the implant will be placed must be strong and dense to hold the post. If the area is soft or spongy, your dentist may need to perform additional surgery to prepare the site before placing the implant.

Once the dental implant has bonded to your bone, it is considered a permanent part of your mouth. However, like your natural teeth, it will require regular professional cleanings and periodic examinations to ensure that the underlying structure remains healthy.

Your dentist will place the implant in a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone. The implant will be placed in the bone and screwed into place, a process called osseointegration. The healing process can take several months.잠실임플란트

The abutment, which is the connector that links the crown to the implant, is placed on the implant after it heals. A replacement tooth or a complete denture can then be attached to the abutment. Some implant systems are designed for a single-stage procedure, in which the abutment and replacement tooth are placed at the same time. Other systems are designed for a two-stage procedure in which the abutment is placed after the implant has healed. Smoking can impede the healing and integration of the implant, so it is important to quit smoking before and after treatment. Other chronic conditions that can affect successful integration include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, long-term steroid use and some neurological conditions such as advanced Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.