What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a tooth replacement option after a tooth loss or extraction. It is a surgical fixture that is planted into the jawbone and allowed to join with the bone for a few months. It is essential to know that dental implant performs the job of replacing the root of a missing tooth. This implant, which is an artificial tooth root, serves to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. One of the best things about having a dental implant is the fact that it being attached to the jawbone, is almost like a natural tooth because it stands independently without affecting other teeth. Aside being independent, dental implant also has amazing stability. This process of attaching the dental implant and jawbone is known as “osseointegration.” One key thing to note is that majority of dental implants are made of titanium. Titanium allows them to intermix with bone without being seen as an alien object in our body. With the help of science and technology, dental implant has been made easy and super-efficient!

The Structure of Dental Implants
looking at thestructure of a dental implant, the body of a dental implant is made up of three important ad unavoidable pieces that serve separate purposes:

1. The Implant (Screw): this serves as the artificial root of the tooth.
   
2. The Abutment: this one the other hand, is the connecting post between the dental implant screw and crown.
   
3. The Crown: this is the artificial tooth that rests on top of the abutment. Crowns are made of porcelain, which is a tooth-colored material that matches the shape and look of your natural teeth.

The Two (2) Forms of Dental Implants
1. Endosteal Implants: these refer to implants that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. These days, endosteal implants are the commonest types of implants. They are specially made with titanium, small screws and alloplastic material.one great benefit of this type of implant is that, with time, the implants connect with the natural bone, thereby making it feel natural.
2. Subperiosteal Implants: these types of implants are positioned under the gums or rest on top of the jawbone under the gum tissue. Unlike endosteal implants, they are not surgically inserted into the jawbone. Although they are going into extinction due to their poor long-term result as compared to endosteal implants, they are however the best option for patients with little or not enough natural jawbone to support endosteal implants.

There are four (4) types of Dental Implants:

1. Single Tooth Implant: this is a single dental implant that is ideal for a patient who has a single missing tooth and wants to replace it for beautification, comfort and confidence. The thing about single implant is that it requires just one dental crown that integrates to the implant screw.
   
2. Implant-Supported Bridge: this type of dental implant is ideal for people with several missing teeth and want to get them fixed. One of functions of this fixed dental bridge is that it prevents other teeth from moving and also serves as a great improvement tool for eating and speaking.
   
3. All-on-4 Dental Implant: this implant is recommended when a patient is looking for a secure solution for many missing teeth. They are carefully and professionally placed in areas of good strong bone and a thin denture prosthesis is screwed into place. The good thing here is that this solution restores your entire upper or lower jaw or even both, as desired.
   
4. 3-on-6 Dental Implant: this serves as a substitute to an implant-retained denture. It is made up of three individual dental bridges attached to six dental implants.