Dental implants are metal screws that are inserted in the jawbone. Once the bone tissue grows firmly around the implant, it serves as the foundation to carry a crown or a bridge and can also support a denture.
The implant is made of titanium; a metal that is accepted by the body tissue and that allows the implant to integrate with the bone. Implant treatment can replace one or more missing teeth without involving the neighbouring teeth.
The treatment explained:
The number one deciding factor for the suitability of the implant treatment is whether the patient has a sufficient amount of jawbone to anchor the implant.
With bone augmentation and bone replacement techniques, many patients with insufficient amount of jawbone are today treated successfully. After the necessary examinations, the dentist decides if and where an implant can be placed.
Under sterile conditions the implantologist inserts the implant in the jawbone and covers it with the gums. The inserted implant is left to heal and integrate with the jawbone.
The rule of thumb for the time needed for healing is 3 months. The surgery part of the treatment can be performed under local anaesthetic. A little discomfort and pain may be experienced for a week or two after the operation.
With more progress made in the field of Implantology, the healing time is becoming significantly shorter. When the implant is integrated with the jawbone, the crown part is attached to it and the treatment is completed.
Dental implants are constantly undergoing development with new techniques and ever improving products. The application areas are increasing with more possibilities of providing better life quality to patients. If you are interested in implant treatment please visit your dentist for best advice.