An Overview of Dental Implantology
Dental implantology primarily concerns itself with the study and use of a dental implant. As a surgical component, a dental implant allows the interfacing between a dental prosthesis, such as an orthodontic anchor, with the bone of the jaw or skull.
Osseointegration: Metal and Bone
Dental implantology roots itself in osseointegration, a biological process wherein foreign materials, like titanium alloy, bond to bone.
Dental implants, in particular, rely on osseointegration. Upon its placement, the implant eventually osseointegrates and allows the anchoring of a dental prosthetic, such as a crown. When you go for an implant procedure, there will be a variable amount of time for the healing period as osseointegration has to take effect.
The Priory Dental Practice, an established family dental practice located in the heart of Walsall, Aldridge, simplifies the explanation. Essentially a titanium post, a dental implant, locates itself in the jawbone and functions as a replacement for the tooth root. After integrating into the bone, it serves to fill a gap with a crown or bridge. In addition, it can also function as a support to loose dentures.
What You Need to Know About Dental Implants
It is indeed nerve-wracking to imagine having a thingamajig of metal installed in your mouth. But as countless treatments and procedures have proven, dental implants are safe. As a form of restorative dentistry, implants are the closest thing to having natural teeth. Well taken care of and maintained, as if real, implants can last a lifetime.
Whether you are missing a mere few or you still have a full set of teeth, you can have implants to replace a single tooth or all. In replacing missing teeth via implantology, though, your orthodontist or dentist must first determine if there is enough healthy bone in your jaw. In the unfortunate case that you have barely any, you will have to undergo bone grafting.
Conclusively, the treatment can take as little as a few months to a year or so. This largely depends on the amount of work and healing necessary for your dental implants.
