DEFINITION:

An implant consists of a small cylinder generally made of titanium, fixed in the bone of the jaw. It is a replacement of the root of a tooth, offering a solid base for prosthetic dentures or a crown, acting like a real tooth, solid to chew with. Dental implants do not require the reduction of teeth matter next to them. 

The placement of an implant requires four main steps:

•An individualized treatment plan, established by the dentist or the surgeon, according to patient’s needs, the state and health of his/her mouth.

•The "root" portion of the implant, made of titanium, is then placed in the alveolar bone. This surgical intervention is done under local anesthesia. When the bone heals, it becomes embedded all around the implant as a very solid anchor.

•Once the implant is anchored in the alveolar bone, an abutment is attached to the implant where the crown or the dentures are held on.

•Then, an impression of the abutments must be taken to make the crown or the dentures.

APPLICATIONS:

There are two types of implants:

•Removable dental implants, that are not fixed to the bone of the jaw.

•Dental implants fixed to the bone by osteointegration, meaning that the bone is in close connection with the implant, supporting close to a normal chewing.

SOURCES:     Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org).

                            WebMD, better information, better health (www.webmd.com).