July 16, 2024
Dental implants are basically artificial tooth roots made out of a biocompatible material, much like artificial joints in orthopedic medicine are. They’re small titanium or zirconia posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone, providing a strong foundation for the replacement of teeth. The wonderful thing about dental implants is that they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They’re designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, and offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
There are a few different types of dental implants available, each type caters to specific needs. Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. They are shaped like small screws and are placed directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue heals, we can make an impression and make a crown that can be attached to the implant. The two materials endosteal implants are made of are titanium and zirconia. While titanium implants are the most common, zirconia implants are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative. Zirconia implants are made from zirconium dioxide, a ceramic material known for its strength and biocompatibility. Their natural white color blends seamlessly with natural teeth and gums, making them an aesthetically appealing option, especially for front teeth or patients with thin or receding gums. Zirconia implants have not been proven for the time period that titanium implants have, however, they have several benefits. Zirconia implants are more aesthetic because they are the same color as the natural teeth. This is important, because if the gums recede over time, they will not show a silver line at the gums. Zirconia is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than titanium. Zirconia is also less likely to attract and retain plaque, which promotes better oral hygiene.
If you’re considering dental implant surgery, it may be more comforting to know what to expect. The journey begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your oral health will be evaluated, X-rays taken, and your jawbone assessed to determine if it can support an implant. If your jawbone is too thin or soft, a bone graft might be recommended. Bone grafting involves adding bone or bone-like materials to your jaw to create a more stable base for the implant. While it may add time to the overall process, it helps ensure the long-term success of the implant.
Once your jaw is ready, the dental implant surgery takes place. This procedure involves making a small incision in the gum to expose the bone, followed by drilling a hole and placing the implant post. Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. After osseointegration is complete, a minor surgery may be needed to place an abutment, which connects the implant to the crown. In some cases, the abutment can be placed during the initial surgery, or a healing abutment can be placed to guide the gums healing so that no further surgery is needed to complete the process.
Once the gums have healed, impressions of your mouth are taken to create a custom crown that matches your natural teeth. The crown is then attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant procedure and restoring your smile.
The success of dental implants doesn’t just rely on their placement; surface treatments play a crucial role as well. These treatments enhance the implant’s integration with the bone and improve overall stability.
Surface Coatings
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