A dental implant is a surgical fixture placed into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement for a missing tooth’s root. Over time, the bone fuses with the implant (a process called osseointegration), providing a stable base for a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture.
There are a few main components of a dental implant:
- Implant post: A titanium post inserted into the jawbone, which serves as the artificial root.
- Abutment: A connector that sits on top of the implant post and connects the post to the replacement tooth.
- Crown: The visible part of the implant that looks like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are a popular choice because they are durable, comfortable, and offer a more natural look compared to dentures or bridges. They can help restore function for eating and speaking, and also prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can occur when a tooth is missing.
