Dental implants are similar to pins, screws and artificial joints used by bone surgeons. A dental implant is inserted into the jaw bone, similar to placing a screw in wood, where it becomes the equivalent of a tooth’s root. A variety of pieces can be attached to a dental implant where each is specific for a certain type of false teeth. One of these types of false teeth is the single tooth replacement. This is one implant to which is attached a crown(cap). Other types of false teeth that can utilize dental implants include a dental bridge and an assortment of removable appliances.
A basic requirement for an implant is having enough bone. Prior to losing a tooth there is enough jaw bone for a dental implant. But, sometimes after a tooth is extracted too much jaw bone is lost naturally over time or due to an abscess, gum disease, or as a consequence of the extraction process. Additionally natural limitations of the amount of jaw bone exist. For example, there is a large hollow area in the jaw bone above the upper back teeth (sinus) and a nerve below the lower back teeth. Several different types of procedures exist to repair a wide variety of bone deficiencies so that an implant can be done.
On average 95 out of 100 dental implants are successful, which makes it one of the most predictable dental treatments and dental implants are typically trouble-free. While a dental implant cannot get a cavity, an infection similar to gum disease can occur, and special parts that connect false teeth to an implant can loosen or break. Proper care of dental implants includes daily personal cleaning and periodic professional evaluation.
