How
Dental Implants Work

Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed in the jaw as an artificial root to support the prosthetic teeth. Through the process of osseointegration, implants become securely anchored in the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for the new teeth.

They look and function just like natural teeth – and in some ways may be better than natural teeth since they will not decay!

A dental implant-supported restoration incorporates three components:

• The Implant: An artificial tooth root that is surgically inserted into the jawbone as the foundation for new replacement teeth. Implants are usually made of pure titanium, a biologically compatible metal that has a long history of safety and efficacy. As the body heals, the bone grows around the implant, making it permanent and immovable. This process is called osseointegration.
• The Abutment: The connecting element between an implant and a dental restoration, known as a crown or prosthesis. This structure, made of ceramic or titanium, is screwed into the implant in preparation for crown placement.
• The Crown: The prosthetic tooth, or restoration, which is placed over the abutment. Crowns are usually custom-fabricated from porcelain or ceramic.

Types of dental implants

Most implants are made from commercially pure titanium. Different systems offer a variety of designs, but most often use tapered or straight screws. Zirconia, a ceramic material, is also used to manufacture implants and is sometimes the ideal choice for patients with allergies. The basic difference between different implants is the physical shape, the surface treatments that are applied to enhance the anchorage, and finally the components that are used to attach the new prosthetic tooth.