Dental implant base

Dental Implants: Dental implants offer a variety of benefits to people looking to replace one or more missing teeth. However, to truly understand why dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement options, we need to take a closer look at each part of a dental implant. Taking an in-depth look at each component and understanding how it works will help you take better care of your dental implants. In the simplest sense, dental implants consist of three main parts: fixture, abutment, and dental prosthesis.

We all want a beautiful smile, which is why dental implants have become one of the most popular options for those looking to replace missing teeth.

An overview of dental implant components

• A dental implant is a dental prosthesis that has the same function and appearance as natural teeth.
• Dental implants replace the root of a missing tooth using a metal base.
• Dental implants are a three-piece system consisting of the implant base, abutment, and dental prosthesis.
• An implant post is an artificial screw that is embedded in the jawbone. It is usually made of titanium or zirconia.
• The abutment connects the implant and the dental prosthesis.
• A dental prosthesis is an artificial tooth that can be a crown, a bridge,e or an artificial tooth.
• Dental implant implantation requires oral surgery and a long recovery period. For this reason, the treatment period is significantly longer compared to other tooth replacement options.

What is a dental implant and how does it work?

A dental implant is a dental prosthesis that has the same function and appearance as natural teeth. As the gold standard for tooth replacement, dental implants are fused to the jawbone to support artificial teeth.

A surgical procedure is performed to place a dental appliance in the jawbone. Dental implants work by replacing the root of a missing tooth with a titanium abutment. This secure fixture fits into your jawbone and helps hold replacement teeth in place, just like roots hold natural teeth in place. After this secure appliance is placed, an artificial crown is attached. The crown looks and functions like natural teeth.

The dental implant process takes time. It usually takes three to six months for the implant post to fully integrate with the jawbone. These posts serve as support for custom dental appliances such as single crowns, dental bridges, or dentures.

Dental implant components

Conventional dental implants are designed as a three-piece system. Each component of the implant has an important function and creates a safe and natural replacement. The components of the implant are as follows:

• Implant post: The implant post or dental implant base is a screw-shaped device that is placed in the jaw bone.
• Abutment: This abutment is connected to the implant post and acts as its extension. The abutment is where the dental prosthesis is attached.
• Dental prosthesis: This component can be a crown, a dental bridge, or a prosthesis that helps to restore the appearance and function of the teeth.

What is the dental implant post or base?

The dental implant base is the main component of the dental implant. Also known as an implant screw, it is screwed directly into the jawbone to prevent movement, allowing the implants to withstand normal chewing.

Dental implants are usually made of medical-grade titanium, a metal that is well tolerated by the body. Titanium is also strong, lightweight, and long-lasting in the mouth, making it an ideal material for implants.

Apart from titanium, the dental implant base can also be made from zirconia, a biocompatible ceramic material. Zirconia implant tooth base is often used in patients with bone loss and poor bone quality or density. It has higher shear resistance and can withstand extreme temperatures better than titanium.

The base of the dental implant is inserted into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time through a process called osseointegration. When combined, it acts as the root of the artificial tooth, which will bond the implant to the jawbone and create a functioning implant that resembles natural teeth.

What is an abutment?

An implant abutment is a connecting piece that is placed between the implant tooth base and dental prostheses. This connecting piece plays an essential role in implant-supported restorations and creates a secure connection between the implant and the crown.

Abutment materials can be made from a variety of materials, including precious metals, such as gold or palladium, or non-precious metals, such as titanium alloy. Support designs are different. For example, an abutment used for dental crowns usually resembles a screw. On the other hand, abutments used for dentures have attachments that secure the dentures in place.

Depending on clinical factors such as biomechanics and aesthetics, your dentist can recommend the appropriate abutment material and implant design.

What is a dental prosthesis?

Dental implants can support a wide range of restorative options, including bridges, dentures, and crowns.

dental crown

To replace a tooth, the crown of the tooth can be connected to the base of the implant tooth with an abutment. A crown is custom-made from porcelain or other materials to match the surrounding teeth and restore full function.

bridge

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis designed to replace one or more consecutive teeth. They are made of veneers that are attached to implant abutments and brackets and replace other missing teeth.

Dentures

For patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in the arch, an overdenture with implants may be recommended to improve stability and comfort. This type of restoration uses special attachments that allow it to be attached to 4-6 implant posts and secure the prosthesis in place. Depending on the number of teeth to be replaced, patients may need partial or full dentures.

How are dental implants placed?

There are three different types of dental implants, each of which is placed in different areas of the jawbone. Regardless of the type, they all follow the same dental implant process.

• Endosteal implants: These implants are placed directly into the jawbone and are the most common type of dental implant used.
• Subperiosteal implants: These implants are placed on top of the jawbone.
• Zygomatic implants: These implants are placed in the cheekbone, which is an alternative for patients who do not have enough bone density in the upper jaw.

Placement of the implant tooth base is done through a minor surgery and usually with the help of local anesthesia. During dental implant surgery, the gum tissue is cut to expose the underlying bone. Then a dental drill is used to make a hole in the jaw bone. Finally, the implant tooth base or titanium screw is inserted into that hole.

After implantation, the implant must go through a healing and integration period that takes 3 to 6 months to prepare for the abutment and bonding of the prosthetic restoration. This waiting period is important because it allows the surrounding gums and bone to heal properly and the implant to fuse with the bone before being exposed to biting forces.

Once healing is complete, the dentist places an abutment and a prosthetic restoration, such as a crown or bridge, over the base of the implant tooth to restore full function.

Types of implant implantation methods according to parts

In the following, we discuss the types of implant implantation methods according to the appearance and parts of the dental implant:

Two-piece implant versus one-piece implant

Although it is now common for implant abutment and abutment to fit together as one piece during fabrication, “two-piece” implants are older. In the two-piece implant, the tooth base of the implant is placed, but it takes several months to integrate into the bone and attach the abutment.

This method allows the dentist in Toronto more flexibility to check the sufficient and available bone to determine the angle of the implant correctly, but in a one-piece implant, this is not possible, and after the root of the tooth is placed, the immediate prosthetic implant is placed.

While the single-piece implant provides more strength, it is installed more simply and less expensively and can be placed in a narrow space; But many dentists still choose the two-piece design because it provides better angulation of the implant.

However, each plan has its place, and which one is best for you will depend on your unique circumstances.

Implants have several advantages over prosthetics and removable artificial teeth. implant:

• They are more natural and comfortable
• They have a higher success rate
• Improves chewing performance
• It reduces the risk of cavities in the adjacent teeth
• It leads to better preservation of bone in the place of the missing tooth
• It reduces sensitivity in the adjacent teeth
• It does not need to be taken out and cleaned every night

However, dental implants are not for everyone. Implants must be connected to the jawbone, so the person’s bones must be healthy before implant surgery.

Implantation of mini dental implants

Regular dental implants are 3mm or more in diameter, while mini dental implants are less than 3mm in diameter. Mini dental implants are usually used in situations where there is not enough space for a regular-sized implant, so they can be suitable for replacing small front teeth. They are also commonly used to support dentures. The reduced size of the implant tooth base means that there is less surface area to connect to your jawbone, so these implants are only suitable in certain situations.

Immediate implant versus conventional dental implants

With immediate dental implants, you will receive a new tooth or set of teeth within a very short period after surgery. But just like mini dental implants, immediate implants are only suitable in certain cases. Conventional dental implants must be left to heal and integrate with the jawbone, and immediate dental implants are no exception. Implanted teeth, which are placed immediately after surgery, are temporary and are specially designed so that they do not put too much pressure on the dental implants and do not move during healing. Once the implants are fully integrated with the jawbone, your temporary teeth will be replaced with permanent teeth that will look and feel better.

All On Four dental implant methods

This method can be an excellent technique for securing loose dentures, especially lower dentures. As the name suggests, you only need four dental implants to support a full lower bridge. Dental implants are placed in the front of the mouth, where the bone is thicker and stronger, so this treatment is suitable for people who may not have enough bone for dental implants. This dental implant technique makes the treatment very affordable, but the technique is highly specialized, so it is important to make sure you choose a dentist with the expertise and experience necessary for the procedure to be a complete success.

What people are not candidates for implant surgery?

Some people are not eligible for dental implant surgery. These conditions include suffering from:

• acute illness
• Uncontrollable metabolic disease
• Bone or soft tissue disease or infection

If these problems are resolved, the person can undergo surgery.

In some cases, dental surgeons refuse to operate on people with:

• Heavy smoking habits
• Dysfunctional habits such as teeth grinding or clenching
• Behavioral or mental disorders
• HIV
• diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• AIDS

If people with any of the above conditions undergo dental implant surgery, the risk of implant failure is higher. Dental surgeons may also not operate on people undergoing the following treatments because of the increased risk of implant complications:

• Bisphosphonate drug therapy for bone loss diseases
• Chemotherapy
• Head or neck radiation therapy

Possible risks of dental implant surgery

People who undergo this procedure may experience complications during or after it. Complications may include:

• Nerve damage that leads to a change in sensation in the surgical area
• Opening the incision after surgery
• implant movement
• Placing the implant above the gum line
• Implant infection

People who experience implant movement may need to take additional measures to improve bone and gum health or have the implant removed or replaced.

Some of the signs and symptoms that indicate implant failure are:

• The implant is too mobile
• Pus or other secretions are removed from the site
• Pain when tapping the implant
• Rapid and progressive bone loss

Each person is likely to have a different experience with dental implant surgery. Factors that may affect this include:

• The number of teeth that need to be replaced
• Placement of implants inside the jaw
• Quality and quantity of bone at the implant site
• Oral health and systemic health of the person

Depending on these factors, additional measures may be necessary. These can include the following:

• Sinus enhancement
• Placing an implant in the maxillary bone is usually difficult due to the location of the sinuses.
• Ridge correction

Some people have jawbone abnormalities that prevent sufficient bone growth for implants. In such cases, the surgeon may need to correct the ridge, which involves lifting the gum to expose the deformed bone area. The surgeon uses a bone or bone substitute to repair and build the area, which improves the quality of the jawbone in preparation for dental implant surgery.

Care conditions for dental implant components

After a person undergoes dental implant surgery, they should continue to brush and floss regularly. Artificial teeth need care and maintenance like normal teeth.

The surgeon or dentist will also schedule follow-up visits to monitor the implants and ensure that the teeth and gums are healthy. It is important to visit the dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning.