How Do Dental Implants Get Fixed to your Jaw Bone?
Dental implants are a highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth. But have you ever wondered how dental implants get fixed to your jaw bone? Here’s a detailed look at how they work and integrate into your jaw bone:
The Components of a Dental Implant
Implant: What many patients don’t know is that the implant is actually a titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as the root of the new tooth. The actual implant is often not visible in the patient’s mouth as often it is covered by the gums and the jaw bone.
Healing Cap: A cylindrical shaped piece that is placed on top of the implant for a couple weeks before the abutment and crown placement to shape the gums to mimic how a natural tooth comes out from the gums.
Abutment: A connector placed on top of the implant fixture that holds the prosthetic tooth or crown. You could essentially think of it as a middle piece that acts as the bridge between the implant and the crown.
Crown: The visible part of the implant restoration, designed to look like a natural tooth. A dental lab is often used to make custom made tooth that is made from dental porcelain/ceramic.
The Process of Dental Implantation
Consultation and Planning:
The dentist will assesses your oral health and bone structure using X-rays to determine if they are a suitable candidate for implants. Sometimes the dentist will request a CBCT (basically a 3D x-ray) to determine if there’s enough bone for the implant to be placed.
Surgical Placement:
The implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Often times, the dentist will need to open a flap in the gums to visually see the jaw bone so that the dentist can confirm the implant is being placed in the right location. The biocompatible titanium material promotes osseointegration, a term to describe where the bone grows around and integrates with the implant, securing it firmly in place. Once the implant is fixed, the implant cannot move, unlike a natural tooth, and will need to be surgically removed if there’s a reason to remove it.
Healing and Osseointegration:
Bone healing period is often the time limiting factor for implant restoration completion. For most healthy people, it will take 3-4 months for the bones to heal. This is where the implant undergoes osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the abutment and crown. If the crown is placed too early there is a good chance that the implant will fail as constant movement of the implant will stop the process of osseointegration.
Healing Cap Placement:
Once bone healing is complete, a healing cap is attached to the implant. This may require a minor surgical procedure to expose the implant fixture as sometimes the bone will grow over the implant resulting in a barrier to access the implant screw.
Crown Placement:
After the gums heal around the healing cap, a custom-made crown is attached to the abutment and placed into the implant. The crown is crafted to match the shape, size, and colour of the patient’s natural teeth.
The Science Behind Dental Implants
Biocompatibility: Titanium is used for implants because it is biocompatible, meaning it is not rejected by the body and integrates well with bone tissue.
Osseointegration: This critical process involves the direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of the load-bearing implant. Osseointegration ensures the stability and durability of the implant.
Bone Stimulation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure, unlike traditional dentures which can lead to bone resorption over time.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Durability: With proper care, implants can last decades.
Functionality: Implants restore full chewing power, allowing you to eat and speak normally.
Aesthetics: Implants look and feel like natural teeth, providing a confident smile.
Conclusion
Dental implants represent a remarkable fusion of medical science and dental technology, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth loss. For more information or to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants, visit us at Adelaide Dental.