A dental implant is a "root" device, usually made of titanium, used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth.
Virtually all dental implants placed today are root-form endosseous implants, i.e., they appear similar to an actual tooth root (
root canal endodontic) (and thus possess a "root-form") and are placed within the bone (endo- being the Greek prefix for "in" and osseous referring to "bone"). The bone of the jaw accepts and osseointegrates with the titanium post. Osseointegration refers to the fusion of the implant surface with the surrounding bone. This is what makes the implant resemble the look and feel of a natural tooth. Since dental implants fuse with bone and lack the periodontal ligament, however, they will feel slightly different than natural teeth during chewing.
Prior to the advent of root-form endosseous implants, most implants were either blade endosseous implants, in that the shape of the metal piece placed within the bone resembled a flat blade, or subperiosteal implants, in which a framework was constructed to lie upon and was attached with screws to the exposed bone of the jaws.
Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant-supported bridges or dentures. They can also be used as anchorage for orthodontic tooth movement. The use of dental implants permits undirectional tooth movement without reciprocal action.
Dental Implants offer an immediate and permanent alternative for missing teeth, dentures, and for people losing their teeth. They are often called "dental screws" "dental posts" or even "dental inplants" - but the correct term is "dental implant". The most common reasons for having tooth implants abroad are:
the replacement of one, more or all missing teeth
the replacement of full or partial denture
to support a ceramic tooth bridge
to support a fixed denture
Dental Implants are titanium biocompatible rods or screws that are embedded into the jawbone. An extension (called an abutment) is then secured to the dental implant so that a new dental crown can placed on it, giving you the fully functionality and look of natural teeth that will last longer than a lifetime. Implants can fully replace your bridgework, denture or can more efficiently support your bridge or denture than any other method. You can either replace all missing teeth with dental implants, or replace them partially with implants, which can support bridges or a denture resulting in fixed or permanent teeth replacements which function and look like real teeth.
The advantages of dental implantation
It is the closest theing to a real tooth.
It has one of the highest success rates among dental restorations
Ensures comfort in feeling and appearance
Replaces your dentures so that you can eat, speak and smile well
Increases the chewing efficiency over denture or other tooth replacement
Replaces a single tooth avoiding the need to prepare the teeth to support a bridge
Lasts long and does not decay
