A dental implant is an artificial root, a sort of titanium or zirconia cylinder, that is placed in the jaw bone to replace one or more missing teeth. The implantologist determines the length, diameter, and shape of each implant according to the patient’s radiological examination. This X-ray makes it possible to visualize the neighboring anatomical structures and to avoid further intervention concerning Dental Implants in Annapolis.
The establishment of a dental implant
The placement of an implant initially requires a very rigorous protocol. The cleanliness of the tools, room, and staff have to be perfect to prevent postoperative infection. First, the dentist must access the bone (through incisions), releasing the gum (folding the gum down).
3D scanners reproduce the precise anatomy of the person’s jaws, which allow a much less invasive surgery in many cases (a technique called ‘flapless’). The implantologist will design what is called an implant imaging guide. The implantologist will drill several holes of increasing diameter, mainly to prepare the place in the bone where the Dental Implants in Annapolis will sit.
Any drilling is done at a lower speed and under irrigation, to avoid the bone from heating up, which might cause necrosis (death of the tooth). Drilling continues progressively, to a diameter slightly less than that of the planned implant.
Implants: In a nutshell
An implant is between three and six millimeters in diameter, and between six and eighteen millimeters in length. The implant must be stable and should fit into the bone with slight force. After the implant is set, the osseointegration phase will take place. An implant, unlike normal teeth, is completely fixed, that is to say, it should not move after it is placed.
The loading of the implant is usually delayed to allow the osseointegration phase (several weeks to several months). If forces are exerted too early on the implant, it may move around and, thus, form a fibrous bond between the implant and the bone, which the patient nor the dentist wants. However, with new immediate loading implants, the implant can be loaded immediately with a temporary prosthesis.
Subsequently, a crown will be placed on this implant which will behave like an artificial root. For more information, contact Annapolis Dental Associates today.
