A dental implant is essentially a substitute for a natural root and commonly it is screw or cylinder shaped.
Each implant is placed into a socket carefully drilled at the precise location of the intended tooth. Often the implant can be placed at the same time as the removal of the tooth all on the same day.
If an implant has a screw thread on its outer surface it can be screwed into position and if it does not, it is usually tapped into place. The main aim during the installation of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with the surrounding bone. This creates an initial stability, which over time is steadily enhanced by further growth of bone into microscopic roughnesses on the implant surface.
In order to support replacement teeth, dental implants normally have some form of internal screw thread or post space that allows a variety of components to be fitted. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges, or dentures. Click here for illustrated information.
Click here to find out more about the many uses of dental implants.
Click here to find out more about your first implant consultation.
Want general information on a condition or treatment? Visit the British Dental Health Foundation where they have over 40 online leaflets.
Want to find out about dental treatment? Want to know how to look after your teeth better? Visit the new BDA website.
Want to learn about dental anatomy, conditions, treatments and good oral health?
Visit the BDA’s cutting edge 3D Educational website.
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