What are Dental Implants Made Of?
Dental implants fill gaps left by missing teeth, restoring smiles, improving oral health, and supporting an improved quality of life. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, all of the teeth on the upper or lower arch, or several teeth missing in a row. So, how exactly do they work, and what are dental implants made of? Read on for everything you need to know.
Dental Implants: The Post (Screw)
The posts or screws that are surgically implanted in the jaw, are made of a biocompatible material such as titanium or zirconia. The role of the post or screw is two-fold. Firstly, it mimics the function of a natural tooth root. After implantation, the jawbone and soft tissues begin to grow up the post, just as they do a natural tooth. This process is called osseointegration and takes approximately 3-6 months.
Osseointegration helps to promote new bone growth, thereby preserving your facial appearance and preventing a sunken appearance around the mouth due to jawbone loss.
Secondly, the implanted post or screw serves as the base that will be affixed to the artificial tooth. With osseointegration complete, the implant is essentially fused with your own body, securely anchoring it in place. This restores your bite force, and chewing ability, and completes your smile.
Dental Implants: The Abutment
The second components of dental implants are called abutments. These are just small connecting pieces that will secure the dental crown to the implant. Abutments are most commonly made of titanium and zirconia, but they may also be made of stainless steel, gold, or polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Your dental crown will ultimately be attached to the abutment with screws or cement.
Dental Implants: The Crowns
Your dental implants will be fitted with custom-designed dental crowns (prostheses). The dental crown may be made from a variety of materials, such as ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, lithium disilicate (E-Max crowns), or gold, silver, or metal alloys. Your general dentist will help you decide which material is best for your dental implant crown.
Dental Implant Timeline
Dental implants are a process that can take several months. You’ll begin your treatment with a consultation with an experienced oral surgeon, who will conduct a comprehensive oral exam. They will confirm that you are in good health and that you have sufficient jawbone to support dental implants. If you have sufficient jawbone, your surgery can be scheduled. If you have lost a bit of jawbone, you may need a bone grafting procedure such as a sinus lift to fortify the bone prior to implant surgery.
Once you’ve had your surgery for dental implants, the process of osseointegration may take 3-6 months to complete. During this time you may have temporary, functional teeth. These are generally made of acrylic-based plastic, so they are not as strong as your permanent crown will be, but you’ll be able to eat, avoiding especially hard, sticky, or gummy foods.
Your final appointment with the oral surgeon will be to check that the implant has fully integrated into the bone. You will then be released to your general dentist where they will complete the steps to placing your permanent crown. Once attached to the implant, you’ll enjoy a restored bite force and chewing ability, along with a beautiful, complete smile.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
Will I be awake during my dental implant surgery?
At Oral and Facial Surgery Associates, we have a variety of sedation and anesthesia options that you may choose. Our oral surgeons will review all options with you to ensure your safety and comfort.
How long does it take to heal from dental implant surgery?
The initial healing phase typically takes about a week. But some patients may recover sooner, and some may take a bit longer.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation in Cincinnati
If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants to replace missing or damaged teeth, schedule a consultation at Oral and Facial Surgery Associates in Cincinnati by calling 513-791-0550.