Functional dental implants operate similarly to natural roots in holding the artificial tooth in place. Implants require a sturdy foundation and should be strong enough to withstand activities like eating and brushing. The construction of a dental implant is often divided into three stages.
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Step 1: Surgical Placement: The dentist starts the implant procedure by surgically placing the implant in the jaw. After that, the implant will be a strong foundation for the replacement tooth.
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Step 2:Integration: The implant will require some time to fuse with the jawbone. That is why titanium is a popular material: it quickly integrates with the bone. The bone surrounding the implant will recover and grow, strengthening and keeping it in place. This is also known as osseointegration.
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Step 3:Dental Crown: Lastly, the dentist will attach a dental crown, an artificial tooth that blends in with your existing teeth. To keep the implant in place, the crown is placed on top of it. Dental implant crowns can be made of porcelain, composite, or other metals.
Dental implant construction is a long process that takes several months. It largely depends on the speed of the jawbone’s healing and the time taken to make a customized dental crown. However, at the end of the treatment, the patient will have a perfect substitute for their missing tooth.