What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial root made out of biocompatible material, that is implanted in the place of the lost tooth or teeth, for the purpose of supporting a dental restoration that has been carefully designed in advance. In most cases it is made of pure, unalloyed titanium, so there's no need to worry even if you're allergic to some metals, as titanium is fully compatible with human tissue. A dental implant makes an ideal substitute for the natural root of a tooth, and functions as a strong abutment to secure a crown or bridge, or even removable dentures. The dentist embeds the implant in the bone, so it has to be made entirely of biocompatible materials. Titanium is such a material, which is why both the implant and the abutment are made of this metal. Why an implant? Dental implants help to restore your full complement of teeth, eliminating gaps. In many cases they are used to support a crown or bridge, which as a fixed restoration gives the patient a better quality of life than removable dentures. You can eat whatever you like, and smile with confidence. If you lose a tooth through extraction, decay or an accident, this can show in your smile. The remaining teeth can move due to the gap left by the missing tooth, and may be subjected to constant pressure due to misalignment. The best solution, then, is to replace it with a dental implant. |