Dental Implants

1️⃣ What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium or zirconium screw used to replace missing teeth. It acts as an artificial tooth root, integrating with the jawbone, and a prosthetic crown is placed on top.

2️⃣ Structure of a Dental Implant:

A dental implant consists of three main parts:
✅ Implant Body → Made of titanium or zirconium, placed into the jawbone.
✅ Abutment → Connects the implant to the dental crown.
✅ Crown (Prosthetic Tooth) → Usually made of zirconium or porcelain for a natural look.

3️⃣ Stages of Dental Implant Procedure:

🔹 1. Examination and Planning

• Panoramic X-ray or 3D tomography is used to assess jawbone suitability.
• If the bone is insufficient, bone grafting or sinus lifting may be required.

🔹 2. Implant Placement into the Jawbone

• Under local anesthesia, the titanium implant is surgically screwed into the jawbone.
• This procedure takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

🔹 3. Osseointegration Process (Bone Fusion)

• The implant fuses with the jawbone over a period of 3-6 months.
• Temporary prosthetics may be used during this period.

🔹 4. Abutment and Crown Placement

• After full bone integration, an abutment is attached to the implant.
• A custom-made zirconium or porcelain crown is placed on top.

4️⃣ Eligibility Criteria for Implants

✔ Adequate jawbone density and volume
✔ Healthy gums and good oral hygiene
✔ Controlled diabetes, non-smoking patients
✔ 18+ years old with fully developed jawbone

5️⃣ Materials Used in Dental Implants

✅ Titanium (Most Common) – High biocompatibility, long-lasting.
✅ Zirconium – Metal-free, aesthetic white-colored implants.

6️⃣ Advantages of Dental Implants

✔ Natural tooth feel and aesthetics
✔ Long lifespan (20+ years)
✔ Does not damage adjacent teeth
✔ Prevents bone loss and preserves jaw structure