Implants

A dental implant is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor. The basis for modern dental implants is a biologic process called Osseointegration, in which materials such as titanium form an intimate bond to bone. The implant fixture is first placed so that it is likely to Osseointegrate, then a dental prosthetic is added. A variable amount of healing time is required for Osseointegration before either the dental prosthetic is attached to the implant or an abutment is placed which will hold a dental prosthetic/crown.