Dental implants are a popular solution because they function and feel like natural teeth, offering durability, stability, and preservation of the jawbone structure. Understanding the dental implant process and its benefits can help you make an informed decision on this transformative treatment.
Overview of dental implant
A dental implant is a small, screw-like post usually made of titanium, placed surgically into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once implanted, it integrates with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which creates a strong, stable foundation for attaching an artificial tooth, crown, bridge, or denture.
A dental implant has three main parts:
Implant post: This is the titanium or ceramic screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts as the root of the artificial tooth, providing a stable and durable foundation. Over time, it fused with the jawbone through osseointegration, ensuring secure teeth.
Abutment: This connector piece attaches to the implant post and sits just above the gumline. It serves as the link between the implant and the prosthetic tooth, supporting and holding it in place.
Prosthetic (Crown, Bridge, or Denture): The visible part of the implant, which looks and functions like a natural tooth. This is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of surrounding teeth, ensuring a natural appearance and allowing the patient to chew to speak normally.
The benefits of dental implant
Dental implants are typically very durable and closely mimic the look and feel of natural teeth when covered with a porcelain crown. They offer many benefits:
Durability
Dental implants are highly durable, often lasting a lifetime with proper care. They are a permanent solution, unlike other tooth replacement options that may need frequent adjustments or replacements.
Preservation of Jawbone
Implants help prevent bone loss in the jaw by stimulating the bone, similar to natural tooth roots. This maintains the facial structure and prevents the sagging or sunken appearance that can occur with the missing teeth.
Natural look and feel
The dental implant is designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, blending seamlessly with the surrounding teeth for an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Improve chewing and speaking
Implants become a fixed part of your mouth, that provides a stable foundation that allows you to chew and speak naturally and confidently.
What is the process of getting a dental implant?
The dental implant procedure is a personalized process that varies from person to person. However, the general steps involved in the implant procedure typically include the following:
Surgical Placement of the Implant
The surgeon numbs the gum area and surgically places the implant into the jawbone. If the implant is near the front of the mouth, the dentist may provide a temporary prosthetic tooth to maintain aesthetics when smiling.
Healing Period (Osseointegration)
During the healing phase, the jawbone integrates with the dental implant in a process known as osseointegration. This phase is crucial for establishing a stable foundation and successful integration of the implant. The healing time can range from 3 to 6 months, and in some cases, it may take longer, depending on the patient’s rate of recovery.
Impression Taking
After the implant has healed, the dentist takes impressions of the teeth to create the final prosthetic. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where technicians meticulously design and craft the final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture). The manufacturing process combines careful detail with advanced machinery to ensure both the quality and aesthetics of the restoration.
Placement of the Abutment and Final Restoration
The dentist then places the abutment and the final restoration. This process typically takes about an hour and may require a second minor surgery.
Who’s a good fit for dental implants?
Suitable candidates for dental implants are individuals who are at least 18 years old, have good overall oral health, and have missing teeth or require tooth extraction. To qualify for implants, patients need to be in good general health to undergo dental surgery.
Certain conditions may disqualify you from dental implants, such as:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Blood clotting disorders
- Frequent smoking
- Metabolic bone disease
- Conditions related to radiation therapy
What VTA Dental Lab can offer for dental practice?
VTA Dental Lab offers dental outsourcing services specifically for your dental laboratory needs. We have the latest equipment, experienced experts, and exclusive technology that enable us to match most scan body libraries in the market and handle complex cases to satisfy end-to-end solutions for implant restorations.
Furthermore, VTA Dental Lab offers a wide range of restoration and dental design services, including crowns, bridges, and other supplementary dental products. With a variety of products at different price points, we confidently meet the diverse needs of your clinic.
Our restorations are crafted by experienced and skilled technicians. Exceptional care throughout production allows us to provide dental clinics with top-quality products, short turnaround times, and competitive pricing.
Why Choose VTA Dental Lab?
VTA Dental Lab manages all stages of the digital workflow. From data collection to finalization, including design, milling, and 3D printing, you can choose our custom dental outsourcing services or opt for full-service solutions depending on your needs.
- Quality: Leading manufacturing processes ensure high accuracy and consistency for every product, certified by the FDA in the U.S.
- Quick Turnaround: Fast turnaround time: Products are completed and shipped to customers within 10 days.
- Flexibility: VTA accepts both traditional and digital impressions.
- Cost Optimization: We offer competitive pricing to help you achieve effective profitability for your business.
In conclusion, dental implants are a lasting, effective solution for restoring function and aesthetics to missing teeth. They benefit patients by enhancing their confidence and quality of life. Choosing a trusted provider for implant products and services is essential to ensure accuracy, durability, and patient satisfaction.
VTA Dental Lab proudly offers full-service solutions for dental clinics, from digital impression handling to high-quality custom restorations. With our advanced technology, skilled technicians, and dedication to excellence, VTA Dental Lab is committed to supporting clinics in providing reliable and outstanding implant services to their patients. Contact us today for more information!
