Implantology
A dental implant is a surgical component that interfaces with the jawbone or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis, or to serve as an orthodontic anchor. It is essentially an artificial tooth root made of biocompatible materials such as titanium or ceramic.
Here are the key facts about dental implants:
Construction: A dental implant is typically made up of three main parts: the implant (a screw-like component inserted into the jawbone), the abutment (a connector piece that connects the implant to the prosthetic tooth or teeth), and the prosthetic tooth or teeth (crown, bridge, or denture).
Function: Dental implants provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. They fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which ensures that they remain secure and functional.
Placement: The process of placing dental implants involves several stages, including the initial consultation, assessment of oral health and bone density, surgery to place the implant, the healing period (during which osseointegration occurs), and placement of the final prosthesis.
Overall, dental implants are a reliable and effective solution to replace missing teeth and restore dental function and aesthetics. They are considered a long-term investment in oral health and quality of life.
A pterygoid implant is a surgical procedure used for oral rehabilitation in patients with severe atrophy of the upper jaw bone. This type of implant is placed in the region of the pterygoid process of the jawbone, allowing for the anchoring of a fixed dental prosthesis.