How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed in the jawbones as an artificial root to support the prosthetic teeth. Through the process of osseointegration, implants become very securely anchored in the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for the new teeth. They look and function just like natural teeth and in some ways may be better than natural teeth since they will not decay!
A dental implant-supported restoration incorporates three components:
The Implant: An artificial tooth root that is surgically inserted into the jawbone as the foundation for new replacement teeth. Implants are made of pure titanium, a biologically compatible metal that has a long history of safety and efficacy. As the body heals, the bone grows around the implant, making it permanent and immovable. This process is called osseointegration.
The Abutment: The connecting element between an implant and a dental restoration, known as a crown or prosthesis. This structure, made of ceramic, gold, or titanium, is screwed into the implant to fit above or slightly below the gum line in preparation for crown placement.
The Crown: The prosthetic tooth, or restoration, which is placed over the abutment. Crowns are custom-fabricated from metal, ceramic or zirconium coated with porcelain to closely resemble natural teeth.
Types of dental implants
There are hundreds of companies manufacturing dental implants. Most implants are made from commercially pure titanium. Different systems offer a variety of designs, most commonly tapered or straight screws.
Zirconia, a ceramic material, is also used to manufacture implants and is sometimes the ideal choice for patients with allergies. The basic difference between different implants is the physical shape, the surface treatments that are applied to enhance the anchorage, and finally the components that are used to attach the new prosthetic tooth.
Highly experienced in both the surgical placement as well as the restoration of dental implants, Dr. Sirakian only works with the most reputable systems that have demonstrated long-term clinical results and reliability.