Standard dental implants can restore the function of missing teeth and preserve the jawbone. The three major components of implants closely mimic natural teeth and with proper care, these implants can last a lifetime, making them a popular choice among dentists and patients.
Natural teeth are rigid, calcified structures that protrude passed the gum line and attach to the jawbone with roots. Dental implants consist of three main parts that duplicate these functions:
The first and most vital step of the implant procedure is the surgical placement of a titanium or zirconium post in the form of a screw or cylinder, inserted where a tooth's natural root once existed. The metals used for posts are durable and well-tolerated by the human body. After a post is placed in the jaw, it begins to fuse with the surrounding bone to create a sturdy foundation for the prosthetic tooth it will later support. This process is called osseointegration and can take three to six months.
Once the dentist is confident that the post has successfully fused with the jaw, the abutment is attached. The dentist makes a small incision that reveals the post's head, onto which the abutment is placed to connect the prosthetic tooth with the post. Abutments also consist of titanium or tooth-colored zirconium. The healing period for this portion of the procedure lasts up to six weeks. Although the abutment has no anatomical equivalent, it is essential to ensure the attachment of the prosthetic teeth to dental implants.
The final stage of the dental implant process involves the placement of the prosthetic tooth or crown. Crowns can be made of resin, porcelain, or metal, and they attach to the abutment with cement or screws.
Crowns cemented to the abutment are very secure and will not become displaced, but using too much cement when positioning them can cause seepage under the gum line, leading to infection. This adhesive can also cause an allergic reaction with some patients. Crowns held in place with cement are challenging to remove if repairs are necessary, but their stability gives patients a high degree of confidence while chewing.
A screw drilled through the crown can also attach the crown to the abutment. This method enables the dentist to remove the crown for cleaning and repair easily, but it can also cause it to loosen while chewing. The dentist can cover the visible screw with a porcelain filling; however, this cannot conceal it entirely. Therefore, screw-retained crowns may be better suited for low-visibility teeth toward the back of the mouth. Ultimately, a dentist will decide how to attach a crown based on the following factors:
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Dental Implants in New York, NY
Dental implants are a comfortable, durable, and uncomplicated solution for restoring the function of single or multiple teeth. With good oral hygiene, all the parts of implants can potentially last a lifetime.
Request an appointment or call New York Dental Office at 212-548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.
Many people resort to using dentures instead of dental implants in managing tooth loss. Dentures may restore the look of the lost tooth or teeth, but they do not compare to implants. Many dentists may recommend shifting to implants. The goals are to increase comfort and improve function. If you want to know how to…
Dental implants are one of the most common ways to replace missing teeth in general dentistry nowadays. These are screws or rods (typically made out of titanium) that can serve as artificial teeth roots. Oral restorations like crowns are fitted to implants to replace missing teeth. Implants are constructed to last a lifetime, but the…
The introduction of dental implants has provided a solution to tooth replacement that goes beyond mere function to address the core of personal well-being. Loss of teeth has an impact on a lot more than just dental health — it impacts chewing, talking ability, and confidence. This is where dental implants come into play as…
Receiving dentures is a straightforward process, but it is determined by the type of dentures you receive. There are three types of dentures we will consider for your case, and in doing so, we will walk you through the process in depth at the time of your appointment. This article strives to provide you with…
Are you looking for CPAP alternatives to treat your sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that impacts millions of individuals all across the globe. Due to this condition, the patient’s airway closes while they are asleep. This can lead to symptoms like difficulty staying asleep throughout the night, snoring, morning headaches, and…
