A dental implant is a false dental root that serves as the stabilizing base for a tooth-replacement application. The implant, which is made of titanium, is inserted into the bone of the jaw and integrates with the jawbone like a natural tooth root. As the bone cells grow around the implant, the device becomes increasingly stable.

Other tooth-replacement options, such as dental bridges and conventional dentures, only replace the crowns of the lost teeth. As a result, these appliances lie at the gum line and may need adhesive or a connection to natural teeth or dental implants in order to remain securely in place. 

Dental implants can be used in multiple restorative procedures. Here are a few of them:

Restoration of a Single Tooth With an Implant and a Dental Crown

A single tooth can be replaced by a dental implant with an abutment and a dental crown. The implant is positioned in the bone of the jaw, permitted to heal, and then topped with an abutment or connector. The abutment permits the addition of a dental crown. After the crown is added, the missing tooth is completely restored.

Restoration of a Single Tooth With an Implant-Supported Fixed Bridge

A single tooth can also be replaced by a fixed bridge that uses one or two dental implants for support. If only one dental implant is used to support a traditional bridge, the other side of the bridge is stabilized by a natural tooth.

A conventional bridge that is used in a single-tooth restoration has a false tooth in the center of the device and a dental crown on each side of the false tooth. Each dental crown must be affixed to a dental implant or a natural tooth to hold the bridge in position.

Restoration of Multiple Teeth With an Implant-supported Fixed Bridge

A dental implant can also be used to replace multiple lost teeth. For a multi-teeth conventional bridge, there are several false teeth in the center of the device instead of a single false tooth. The sides of an implant-supported multi-teeth bridge are still affixed to the mouth using one or more dental implants.

Restoration of a Full Palate Using an Implant-supported Denture

An implant-supported full denture is held in place much like a dental bridge that is supported by dental implants. However, a full denture replaces all of the teeth of an entire palate and may require more than two dental implants for support.

For more information about dental implants and their usage, contact a dentist in your local area. You can also check out a website like http://www.joerosenbergddspa.net for more information and assistance. 

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