What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small artificial tooth root that is placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. It can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several teeth or, in suitable cases, support a complete set of replacement teeth.
Most dental implants are made from titanium. Once an implant has been placed, the bone gradually heals around its surface in a process known as osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth.
A dental implant restoration usually has several components. The implant itself sits within the jawbone, an abutment connects to the implant, and the visible replacement tooth — usually a crown — is attached above it. Implants can also be used to support bridges and dentures.
What are dental implants made from?
Most dental implants are made from titanium, a material that has been used successfully in implant dentistry for many years and is well suited to integrating with bone. Some implant systems use zirconia, a ceramic material, although titanium remains widely used.
The type, size and position of implant I recommend will depend on your individual anatomy, the available bone and the type of restoration the implant needs to support.
Dental implant treatment is not simply about placing an implant into the available space. Careful planning of the implant and the final replacement tooth together is an important part of achieving a predictable, functional and maintainable result.