The dental implant is an artificial root that is anchored in the jaw bone to create a strong anchoring and lasting supporting for a dental prosthesis that replaces one or more teeth. It is the intermediary between the jawbone and the dental prosthesis. As a shock, it can transfer the masticatory forces to the bone in which it is anchored. Missing teeth are able to be extracted for different reasons (decayed, damaged, broken) or they were simply missing congenitally (genetic). The implant is inserted in the bone, in the manner of a cylinder, and provides support for the visible part of the tooth; the crown. This is considered as a form of Cosmetic Dentistry in DC.
The implant can support fixed prosthesis that the patient can remove as a single tooth (crown) or more through an interconnected bridge. Several implants can also support prosthetics (dentures) or removable full dentures to restore an entire mouth. Note that the only dentists to place dental implants are general dentists, a periodontist, a maxillofacial surgeon or a Cosmetic Dentistry in DC. Titanium is the most widely used material in the manufacture of dental implants because it is a biologically inert metal. This means it will not be rejected by the body and provides strength necessary for their function.
The ideal implant should not change with time even though it is in contact with the gums, saliva and other components of the oral cavity. Osseointegration is critical to the success of the dental implant because it denotes the colonization of bone cells around the surface of the implant. This porous, rough textured implant allows the bones to solidify in the jaw and lets it play a supporting role. Mini-implants are temporarily used in orthodontics, but these are not osseo-integrated because they can be removed.
The implant must withstand masticatory forces and act in all directions. Their shape can vary by manufacturer. They are usually round but there are other types that can be used in specific conditions. Their diameter can vary from 3 to 5 mm and length between 10 and 15 mm in order to meet the diversity of jaw and bone types encountered clinically. There are alternative materials such as zirconium which may be used in the manufacture of implants. To learn more, look at more info here.