A dental implant is essentially a substitute for a natural root and commonly it is screw or cylinder shaped. Almost all dental implants are made from titanium and are placed into carefully drilled sockets at the precise location of the intended tooth.
The main aim during placement of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with the surrounding bone. This creates an initial stability, which over time is steadily enhanced by further growth of bone into the microscopic roughness on the implant surface. In order to support replacement teeth, dental implants normally have some form of internal screw thread or post space that allows a variety of components to be fitted. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures.
What happens during the placement of a dental implant?
Treatment is normally divided into three stages, each of which may involve several visits to your dentist.
1- Pre-operative assessment stage:
Before implants can be placed, X-rays and impressions of your mouth will be needed. These allow to plan the best way to treat you.
2- Surgical treatment stage:
The next stage of your treatment is to insert the implants. This is normally done under local anaesthetic by lifting the gum away from the underlying bone, then gently and carefully drilling into the jaw bone. The implant is inserted into the bone and the gum replaced and held together with some stitches. Following insertion, some types of implant will stick out through the gum, whilst other types will be buried underneath the gum.
The implants will usually be left for three months (or possibly more) before they are used to support replacement teeth. Implants buried under the gum will require a second small surgical procedure to expose them before they can be used.
3- Restorative treatment stage:
You will need two to three appointments to make your crowns, bridges or denture. This will include taking impressions and checking the fit of the parts used to make your replacement teeth.
