A dental implant functions as artificial tooth roots. Over time, it fuses to your jawbone and becomes integrated with it. Once this has happened, the dental implant can be used to support a crown, a dental bridge, or dentures. The dental implant procedure is usually divided up into several stages, depending on what the patient needs. The easiest way to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants is to get a consultation at your local dental clinic. In this post, we are going to explain how does a dental implant work.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are screws or anchors that are embedded into your jaw during a surgical procedure. They are usually made out of titanium or zirconia, which are bio-compatible materials, and lightweight but strong.
What Do Dental Implants Do?
After a few months, your dental implant will fuse with your jawbone and essentially become integrated with it. This makes the implant stable and strong enough to support a dental crown, bridge, or denture so you can bite and chew comfortably.
How Does A Dental Implant Work?
Understanding a dental implant procedure
Every patient’s dental implant procedure is slightly different. A dentist that offers consultation will present you with a treatment plan and cost estimate once you have been assessed and outline each stage that needs to be completed to replace your missing teeth.
If you need to replace a single tooth
If you are missing one tooth and you do not need a bone graft, it’s likely that your dental implant procedure will follow three stages after your assessment. First, your dentist will place the implant. It may take three to six months for osseointegration to occur before your dentist can load the abutment or extension piece. Once this connecting piece has been placed, you will go through another healing period before your crown can be made. When your dentist is satisfied with your healing, your final crown will be fitted.
If you need to replace several missing teeth
If you need to replace several missing teethIt is possible to replace several missing teeth using only two dental implants.
A bridge held in place by two implants can support three to four missing teeth.
If you wear dentures and would like them to have more support, four to eight dental implants can be used to support a full arch denture.
Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Tooth implants are a permanent and convenient way to replace missing teeth, but you do need to have healthy gums and a jaw that is thick and strong enough to support them. If your gums are healthy but you lost your tooth a while back, it’s quite likely that your jaw may have deteriorated. Your dentist may recommend a bone graft procedure in this case, in order to stimulate bone growth in your jaw. The bone graft would be done a few months before the placement of your dental implant.
For professional insight into “how does a dental implant work?” or to book a dental consultation near you, please call us: (03) 5749 1208.
References
Are Dental Implants Permanent
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-long-do-dental-implants-last
Dental Implant Guide: Costs, Process, Risks & More
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/implants
