Dental Implants: A Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement Option

Dental implants are an effective method for replacing lost teeth, offering a natural appearance and sensation similar to real teeth. They consist of three main components:

Fixture:
The implant fixture is made of titanium and is shaped similarly to a tooth root. It is surgically embedded into the jawbone, allowing it to integrate firmly without causing inflammation or adverse side effects.
Abutment:
The abutment is a connector piece attached to the implant fixture, supporting the dental crown.
Crown:
The crown is the visible part of the implant and is typically made from ceramic or metal materials. It closely resembles a natural tooth, providing excellent aesthetics, functionality, and comfort. Dental implants with crowns can benefit anyone who has lost one or more permanent teeth.

Step 1: Examination and Assessment
The dentist will perform an oral examination and take X-rays to evaluate the jawbone condition and determine its suitability for implant placement. If the jawbone density or volume is insufficient, bone grafting may be necessary to provide adequate support for the implant.
Step 2: Implant Placement
The dentist surgically inserts the implant fixture into the jawbone. After this procedure, it generally takes about 3–4 months for the implant to fully integrate with the bone (osseointegration), becoming strong enough to support a tooth.
Step 3: Gingival Shaping
The dentist will place a gingival former (healing abutment) to shape the gum tissue around the implant, creating a natural gum contour. This step usually takes about 10–14 days. In some cases, if the implant stability is sufficient during placement, the dentist may place the gingival former immediately after implant insertion.
Step 4: Impression and Crown Fabrication
The dentist attaches an abutment to the implant fixture, then takes an impression of the patient’s mouth. This impression is used as a model to create the custom crown.
Step 5: Crown Placement
Approximately 10–14 days after the impression, the dentist places the custom-made crown onto the abutment. The resulting tooth restoration closely resembles a natural tooth in both appearance and function, providing excellent aesthetic results and efficient chewing capability.