Implants are artificial dental roots made of biocompatible titanium and used as screws or cylinders, which are surgically inserted into the maxillofacial bone and attached to it through a process of osseointegration that lasts two to three months. Dental implants act in the same way as natural roots, becoming a stable base for artificial replacement teeth. Once the union is achieved, the abutment is placed, and then the artificial tooth.
Traditionally, fixed bridges, braces, or dentures were used as a solution to replace missing teeth. Today, dentists offer dental implants as a permanent solution to replace missing teeth because they do not need adhesives and do not require anchoring to healthy teeth.
Dentistry is advancing every day, however, millions of patients suffer tooth loss, mostly because of tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury. Missing teeth could lead to loss of bone, drifting of teeth, misalignment, inability to chew, pronounce words, etc. For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. But today, dental implants are available.