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