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Dental implants are often used to replace the roots of missing teeth. If an implant is used during a single tooth replacement, a dental crown or abutment may be added. Often, if an implant is used to help replace multiple lost teeth, it is paired with other tooth replacement appliances, such as dentures or dental bridges.

Here are a few questions and answers about dental implants:

Is there more than one type of dental implant?

There are two types of dental implants. One is the standard implant, and the other type is a short implant. The difference between the two implant types is basically only size. A short dental implant is usually less than 10 millimeters in length. A standard dental implant is longer.

What determines the type of dental implant that will be used?

A short dental implant is usually used if a patient does not have sufficient jawbone thickness to support a standard dental implant. In addition, short dental implants are installed when dental nerves within the bone may be damaged by the insertion of a standard dental implant.

What is a dental implant made of?

A dental implant is made of titanium metal. Because a dental implant is surgically placed inside the patient's jawbone, it is important for the implant to be biocompatible. This helps ensure that the implant does not incite a negative immunological response from the patient's body, causing the implant to be rejected.

How does the dental implant become stable?

After a dental implant is installed, the jawbone undergoes a healing process called osseointegration. During this period, the bone of the jaw fuses with the implant to stabilize it in place. Once osseointegration is complete, the implant is as stable as a natural tooth root.

If the thickness of the jawbone needs to be adjusted for an implant to be placed, what can be done to improve the jawbone density?

If your jawbone is not thick enough to support a dental implant, you can undergo a grafting procedure in which bone that is donated from an animal or a cadaver or that is harvested from another location in your body is grafted to your existing jawbone.

What can cause a dental implant to fail?

A dental implant may not be successful if the implant wound does not heal properly. This can be affected by other systemic conditions, such as diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar. In addition, smoking and heavy drinking can affect the healing of an implant wound.

An implant may also fail if it is moved from its position by trauma.

For more information, contact Davis R Troup DDS PA or a similar dental professional.