Dental implant refers to a tooth-replacement method for missing teeth that relies on a lower structure embedded in the bone tissue to support and retain the upper dental prosthesis.
It consists of two parts: the lower supporting implant fixture and the upper dental prosthesis. Artificial materials such as metals and ceramics are used to make the implant fixture (generally shaped like a tooth root), which is surgically placed into the tissue (usually the upper or lower jaw) and obtains firm retention and support from the bone. The upper prosthesis is then connected and supported through special devices and methods.
Dental implants can achieve restorative results very similar to natural teeth in function, structure, and aesthetics, and have become the preferred restoration option for a growing number of patients with missing teeth.
Implantation generally requires two surgical stages. In the first stage, under local anesthesia and after disinfection, an incision is made at the site of the missing tooth, the position is located on the alveolar bone with a round bur, a hole is drilled, and the implant is placed so that it forms a bony union with the bone. This stage places the implant and cover screw into the alveolar bone and tightly closes the soft tissue wound. The implant takes 4 to 6 months to heal.
In the second stage, a healing abutment replaces the cover screw at the implant site. The healing abutment is exposed in the oral cavity and takes about one month to mature.
