Dental implants, explained simply
What an implant actually is, when one can be placed immediately, why enough bone matters, and what the real stages look like including the waiting periods. A guide for anyone weighing the decision.
Dental Implants: Explained Simply
A dental implant is a modern, permanent solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Instead of affecting neighboring teeth (as with a traditional bridge), the implant functions exactly like a natural root.
What is a dental implant made of? A complete dental implant has 3 main components:
The implant itself (the screw): Made of titanium or zirconia (biocompatible materials), it is inserted into the jawbone and acts as the root. The prosthetic abutment: A small connecting piece that links the screw to the crown. The dental crown: The visible part, the artificial tooth (usually made of ceramic/zirconia) that looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
How does the process work? Insertion: The doctor places the screw into the bone. Ossteointegration: The bone fuses with the titanium in a healing process (usually takes between 3 and 6 months). Crown fixation: The abutment and the final crown are attached.