Dental implants are a modern advancement that provides a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing way to replace lost teeth. These artificial tooth roots carefully replicate the natural anatomy of a tooth. But what makes it durable and reliable?
Let’s explore the composition of dental implants, highlighting the materials and components that ensure their reliability and durability for tooth replacement.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a mechanical tool used to replace one or more lost teeth. They are maintained the same way as your natural teeth and have the same appearance and function.
Here are common types of dental implants:
- Endosseous root-form type
- Osteointegrated type
Each dental implant consists of three key components:
- The implant root or screw
- The implant abutment
- The crown/dental prosthesis
A Complete Construction of Dental Implant: From Titanium Base to Beautiful Crown
Titanium: The Ideal Material
A dental implant’s foundation is usually composed of titanium. Due to its remarkable qualities, this biocompatible metal is often preferred in dentistry. Titanium is a robust material that can tolerate the stresses of biting and chewing since it is incredibly strong and light.
Importantly, it is also biocompatible, which reduces the possibility of negative responses or rejections because it is well-tolerated by the human body. This combination of robustness and biocompatibility makes this material an important key in long-lasting dental construction.
Implant Body: The Root Analog
The component that works as an artificial root in a dental implant is called the implant body, often called the fixture. Pure titanium or titanium alloy is usually used to make it. Secure integration with the jawbone is made possible by the screw-like architecture of the implant body, which has threads. This design stabilizes the dental prosthesis that will be affixed while simulating the function of a real tooth root.
Abutment: Connecting the Implant and Crown
The abutment is the connecting component fastened to the implant body. It acts as a platform for attaching dental crowns and other restorations and protrudes over the gum line. Abutments comprise various materials, such as porcelain, zirconia, or titanium. Each instance’s particular clinical and aesthetic needs determine the abutment material selection.
Crown or Prosthetic Tooth
The crown, also known as the prosthetic tooth, is the visible part of the dental implant that mimics the natural tooth. Usually, zirconia, ceramic, or porcelain are used to make crowns. These substances are chosen because they replicate real teeth’ strength, translucency, and look. The crown is specially made and colour-matched to blend in perfectly with the patient’s natural teeth.
Biological Integration: Osseointegration
Dental implants are remarkable for integrating with the patient’s jawbone through osseointegration. This integration occurs as the jaw’s bone cells develop and unite with the implant’s surface. For dental implants to last long, osseointegration is essential because it maintains stability and stops bone loss.
Dental Implant Variations
Dental implants come in various sizes and shapes to meet a variety of clinical settings. Some implants are used for quick placement after tooth extraction, while others are used for limited bone volume. Dental implant systems have developed to accommodate both the variety of patient needs and the knowledge of dental practitioners.
