Dental Implants – One of Dentistry’s Greatest Advances
One of the greatest advances in dentistry over the
years has been the dental implant. A dental implant is a titanium
fixture that is placed into bone. Through a process called osseointegration,
the implant fuses to the bone, serving as replacement for a tooth's
root.
Once placed by a qualified oral surgeon, periodontist, or prosthodontist,
the implant is allowed ample time to integrate with the bone.
Integration ranges between three and six months in duration. After
a process called uncovering, it is the general dentist's responsibility
to restore the crown portion.
The implant can be used for single tooth replacement (see diagram 1 below) or in groups
of two or more for fixed bridges (see diagram 2 below). Implants can also be used to
increase retention and stabilize a full denture, known as an overdenture(see diagram 3 below).
If you have any questions about dental implants or to schedule
an appointment, please contact your nearest Allied Dental location.
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diagram 2. |
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diagram 3. |
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