What is a dental implant?
A plain-language explanation of what a dental implant is, how it works and the words you are likely to hear at an assessment.
The short answer
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to take the place of a tooth's root. Once it has joined with the bone, it can hold a replacement tooth, a bridge of several teeth, or a denture. Implants are usually made of titanium or a titanium alloy; some are made of a ceramic called zirconia.
People often say "implant" to mean the whole replacement tooth. Strictly, the implant is only the part in the bone. What you see in the mouth is the crown, bridge or denture that sits on it.
The three parts
Most implant treatments have three parts:
- The implant (sometimes called the fixture). The post in the bone, usually shaped like a screw.
- The abutment. A connector that attaches to the implant and rises through the gum. It can be a standard part or custom-made.
- The restoration. The visible part: a crown for one tooth, a bridge for several, or a denture that clips on.
How an implant joins the bone
After an implant is placed, the bone around it normally grows into close contact with its surface. Dentists call this osseointegration. It takes time, commonly a period of months, which is why there is usually a healing stage between placing the implant and fitting the final tooth. During this stage, the dentist checks that the implant is stable.
How well and how quickly this happens differs from person to person. Factors such as the amount of bone, smoking, gum health and some medical conditions can affect healing, which is why your dentist asks about your health at the assessment.
What implants can hold
One implant can hold a single crown. Two or more can hold a bridge across a gap of several teeth. Four or more can hold a fixed bridge replacing all the teeth in a jaw, the approach known by names such as All-on-4. Two or more can also hold a removable denture that clips on, called an overdenture.
Our treatment pages explain each one: single tooth implants, implant bridges, full-arch implants and implant-supported dentures.
How an implant differs from a bridge or denture
A conventional bridge is held by crowns on the natural teeth next to the gap. A conventional denture rests on the gums and is held by suction, clasps or the shape of the mouth. An implant is held in the bone, without relying on neighbouring teeth or on the gums for support. Each treatment has different steps, upkeep and costs, and none suits everyone. We compare them in our guide to implants, bridges and dentures.
Words you may hear at an assessment
- CBCT. Cone-beam computed tomography, a 3D scan of the jaw used in planning.
- Bone graft. Adding bone where there is not enough for an implant.
- Sinus lift. Raising the floor of the sinus in the upper jaw to make room for an implant.
- Immediate placement. Placing an implant on the day a tooth is removed.
- Immediate loading. Attaching a temporary tooth to an implant soon after it is placed.
- Surgical guide. A template that helps place implants in the planned positions.
- Peri-implantitis. Inflammation of the gum and bone around an implant, which is one reason maintenance visits matter.
Who places implants
In South Africa, implants are placed by dentists registered with the HPCSA, including general dentists and registered specialists. You can check a practitioner's registration on the HPCSA's public online register. It is reasonable to ask who will place the implant and who will make the crown, bridge or denture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dental implant made of?
Usually titanium or a titanium alloy. Some implants are made of zirconia, a ceramic.
Is an implant the same as a crown?
No. The implant is the post in the bone. The crown is the visible tooth that sits on it, joined by an abutment.
Why is there a wait before the final tooth?
Because the bone needs time, commonly months, to join with the implant. The dentist checks it is stable before the final tooth is fitted.
Is an implant suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on bone, gums and general health, and only a dentist who has examined you can decide.
Related
Sources
- Health Professions Council of South Africa, ethics guidance: https://www.hpcsa.co.za/ethics