What are dental implants?
Dental implant treatment is the replacement of tooth roots with supportive
posts. Usually made from titanium, they can be used to replace single
teeth, several teeth or form the basis of a complete reconstruction
of a collapsed mouth. Titanium is the most bio-compatible material we
know and once placed, fuses to the jaw bone fully. It is because of
this unique characteristic, that dental implants can be considered permanent.
How do they work?
There are a number of ways dental implants can be planned and utilised.
Essentially though, they are placed into the jaw bone once occupied
by a tooth root, involving a small invasive procedure. There then follows
a natural healing process which is exactly the same as when a tooth
is extracted. During this time the implant fuses to the bone, a process
called osseointegration. At this stage, posts can be connected to the
implant now emerging through the gum. It is on these posts that porcelain
crowns and bridges are constructed making either single crowns or complete
mouth restorations possible.
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