Dental implants are highly advertised dental treatments, which we also discuss at length on our website. But if you’re unfamiliar with this process, it pays to know the basics. To unpack the essential elements of this procedure, Dr. Okamoto has provided the following blog post.
In short, a dental implant is a complete replacement for a lost tooth – and that includes a substitute for the roots of a teeth. While crowns, bridges, and dentures (the prosthetics for replacing the visible parts of teeth) are important to overall treatment, a dental implant usually refers to the components listed below:
Post – This is a small appliance that looks like a screw and serves as the base of the implant. Dr. Okamoto places the post into the jaw bone so it can integrate with tissue and become a strong foundation for other pieces of the restoration. Implant posts are typically made of titanium, but advancements in implant technology have provided zirconia bases as well.
Abutment – This connecting piece serves as the coupling between the post and the visible prosthetic. The abutment can be made from metal or tooth-colored materials, depending on needs and preferences.
Established companies, such as Nobel or Zimmer, supply the post and abutment, while the implant restorations Dr. Okamoto adds to the abutment are usually created at an outside dental lab.
As much as a dental implant can replicate an entire natural tooth, implant posts can also be supports or anchors for larger restorations. One implant post, abutment, and crown can equal one whole tooth, but four dental implant posts, specialized attachments, and a bridge or denture can equal a complete arch of your smile.
Dental implants are flexible prosthetics that support dental health, function, and appearance. Their power comes from the post, which creates a replacement for missing tooth roots and stimulates bone over time. The definition of an implant can be complicated, but it may be best served by stating that an implant is a replacement tooth root and permanent base for aesthetic tooth replacement.
Ask Dr. Okamoto about Dental Implants!
If you’re looking for more information about implant procedures, we encourage you to read through our website or contact our office to speak to a member of our team. As a tooth replacement specialist, Dr. Okamoto has all the information necessary to help you make confident decisions about your treatment plan.