Our Delta area dentists use dental implants to restore the appearance and function of our patients' smiles. Here's a little about the parts of the dental implant and how the implant process works.
If you have missing teeth, dental implants can help to restore the function of your smile, transform your appearance and boost your self-confidence.
Dental implants consist of three main parts:
1 - The Implant
The actual implant portion of the dental implant is a tiny titanium screw that is surgically placed in the jaw where the root of the missing natural tooth would have been located. The screw forms a stable base or 'root' to which an artificial tooth can be attached.
Titanium is used for dental implants because it is 'biocompatible' with the surrounding tissue. This means that over time the implant will become integrated with your jaw bone forming a permanent base to your restoration.
Following the surgical placement of the implant, it will take approximately 4-6 months to heal before the next step in the dental implant process can begin.
2 - The Abutment
Once your jaw has healed from the implant placement, the second part of the implant can be added.
The abutment is a small titanium or ceramic connector that secures the restoration to the dental implant.
3 - The Restoration
After the abutment is properly healed and securely in place, a restoration can be attached to the abutment. Your restoration could be a crown, bridge or denture depending on the number of teeth being replaced.
Crown
Dental crowns are used if only a single tooth is being replaced.
A Dental crown can be screwed or cemented to the abutment in order to create a natural looking artificial tooth. Crowns are typically ceramic, or a mixture of metal and porcelain.
Bridge
If you are replacing a number of teeth in a row, a dental bridge may be used.
Bridges are usually made from porcelain and are attached to just two implants which hold it securely in place. The artificial teeth in a dental bridge will be colour matched in order to blend in with the natural teeth.
Denture
For patients who are replacing a full jaw of teeth, an implant supported denture can be used.
Conventional dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by suction. Implant supported dentures are held securely in place with the help of dental implants.
Implant supported dentures can give patients a natural looking smile. These dental restorations are typically made with either plastic or porcelain teeth attached to an acrylic base which is coloured to look like the natural gum line.