How do dental implants work?
(Click here to view 3D video on this subject) It can be challenging to duplicate the natural function and appearance of teeth los t due to periodontal disease or other causes. In the past, limited results have been obtained through using dentures, crown restorations or crown supported bridges (CLICK HERE to see glossary for term definitions). Fortunately, dental implants are now available. Dental implants provide similar function to natural tooth roots, and support great looking alternatives to traditional dental devices. For replacing single or multiple teeth lost due to accident or periodontal disease, dental implants are the ideal treatment (click here to see 3D video on dental implant alternatives to replace one or more teeth). Dental implant supported crowns and bridges are fixed in the mouth in a “patient non-removable fashion.
A typical dental implant used for single tooth replacement is a screw that goes into the jaw bone and acts as a root (support) for an artificial tooth.
The dental implantation is necessary in case of missing teeth. When the tooth is missing, the nearby teeth start tilting or drifting from their normal position. This can cause biting problems, jaw pain and headache. So missing tooth is replaced to keep other teeth in proper position. The dental implant process starts with evaluating the patient’s dental and medical history, clinical examination of the mouth. Then a small diameter hole is drilled on the place of missing tooth to fix a titanium metal screw and a crown. To allow the healing of implantation a protective cover screw is placed on the top of it. After healing the temporary crown is placed which serves the template around which the gum grows. The process gets completed after replacement of the temporary crown with a permanent crown.
Dental implants act as artificial roots. They are surgically placed into your jaw, and are the closest substitute to natural teeth in form and function. Once a dental implant is firmly integrated into your jaw, it can be used to support single crowns, bridges and dentures. Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth or all of your teeth, dental implants may be an option for you.
Dental implants replace the form and function of missing teeth. They support replacement teeth in virtually the same way that your natural tooth root supports your natural teeth. Various replacement options are possible: • Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, so that grinding down or altering adjacent teeth is no longer necessary. • Dental implants can be used as anchors to support a fixed bridge. • Dental implants can support loose teeth by being splinted to them.
