A Dental Implant is an artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold an artificial tooth (replacing missing tooth). Dental implants are an excellent option for people who, otherwise in good oral health have lost a tooth due to periodontal disease (gum disease), root canal failure or tooth decay.

 

Anatomy of Dental Implant

 

A Dental Implant is composed of three parts:

1. The Titanium implant that fuses with the jaw bone.
2. The abutment which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes above the gums.
3. Crown or artificial tooth created by the dental surgeon to be fitted onto the abutment making it ready for normal tooth functioning.

 

Indications for Dental Implants

 

Dental Implant, though the best option for the conditions mentioned below, an adequate jaw bone is always required to support the implant. Dental implants are indicated in following cases:

1. Replacing a single missing tooth.
2. Replacing more than one missing teeth.
3. In case of all missing teeth, an implant supported bridge (fixed teeth) or denture are good replacement options. Implants are treatment options in case of all missing teeth or in case where your own teeth are not healthy enough to give support to artificial teeth / bridge.
   

Selection for Implants There are a number of factors a dental surgeon should consider before selecting a patient for implant treatment. Despite the success rate with dental implant treatment, it has got its' own limitations, which may be due to conditions like poor bone quality / bone resorbtion because of periodontal disease, existing medical conditions like diabetes, smoking, bone loss (common with patients who have lost teeth for long and have not gone for any replacement).The most important factor contributing to failure of implant is not keeping good oral hygiene after implant treatment.

Before

After