How implants work
Dental implants utilize the placement of man-made tooth roots into the upper or lower jaw as an anchor for natural looking crowns. Since they look and function just like natural teeth, they are a terrific option to replace one or more missing teeth. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
A dental implant-supported restoration incorporates three components:
| Implant Components | |
|---|---|
 The Implant: An artificial tooth root that is surgically inserted into the jawbone as the foundation for new replacement teeth. Implants are made of pure titanium, a biologically compatible metal that has a long history of safety and efficacy. As the body heals, the bone grows around the implant, making it permanent and immovable. This process is called osseointegration. |
|
 The Abutment: The connecting element between an implant and a dental restoration (known as a crown or prosthesis). This cap-like structure, composed of titanium, is screwed into the implant to fit above or slightly below the gum line in preparation for crown placement. |
|
 The Crown: The prosthetic tooth, or restoration, which is anchored in place by the implant. Crowns are custom-fabricated from metal, ceramic or zirconium coated with porcelain to closely resemble natural teeth. |
Types of dental implants
Just five companies are responsible for the manufacture of approximately 90% of the implants in use today. In addition to the different brands available, your doctor can select from implants that are tapered or straight and those designed for varying bone widths, heights and densities.
All dental implants work in essentially the same manner, and the brand and type used are generally a matter of your doctor’s preference. When you first consult with a doctor, you may wish to ask about the implant system he or she uses and why. The most important thing is that your doctor chooses implants that have a track record for reliability and that he or she is experienced and comfortable with the system.
Another consideration is compatibility between the doctor performing the surgical placement and the doctor performing the restoration. It is important both doctors be equally comfortable and experienced with the implant system that has been selected. Of course, choosing a doctor who does both the surgical placement and the restoration, as does Dr. Sirakian, would eliminate this concern.