Editing Dental Implants

{{Short description|Surgical component to support dental prostheses}}
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== Definition ==
A '''Dental Implant''' (also known as an endosseous implant or fixture) is a surgical device used to replace missing teeth by providing a stable foundation for fixed or removable replacements. Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth.

== Biological Principles ==
The fundamental principle of modern dental implants is '''[[Osseointegration]]'''. 
* '''Discovery:''' Discovered by [[Per-Ingvar Brånemark]], who observed that bone would bond nearly permanently to titanium.
* '''Process:''' Following surgical placement, osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) grow directly onto the microscopic roughness of the implant surface.
* '''Stability:''' 
** ''Primary Stability:'' The mechanical "grip" of the implant in the bone immediately after surgery.
** ''Secondary Stability:'' The biological bond formed through healing.

== Components ==
A complete implant restoration consists of:
# '''Implant Body:''' The portion that resides in the bone. Most are made of '''Grade 4 Titanium''' or '''Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V)'''.
# '''[[Abutment]]:''' The interface that connects the internal screw of the implant to the oral environment.
# '''Restoration:''' The [[Crown (dentistry)|Crown]], [[Bridge (dentistry)|Bridge]], or [[Denture]] that is either screwed or cemented to the abutment.

== Surgical Procedure ==
The treatment is typically divided into phases:
# '''Treatment Planning:''' Utilization of [[CBCT]] and digital scans to assess bone volume and vital structures.
# '''Implant Placement:''' A hole is prepared in the bone (osteotomy) using sequential drills under irrigation, and the implant is inserted.
# '''Healing (Stage I):''' A period of 3–6 months for osseointegration.
# '''Restoration (Stage II):''' Placement of the abutment and the final prosthetic.

== Clinical Indications ==
* '''Single Tooth Replacement:''' To restore a gap without "sacrificing" healthy neighboring teeth.
* '''Multiple Teeth Replacement:''' Supporting an implant-supported bridge.
* '''Full Arch Rehabilitation:''' Concepts such as '''All-on-4®''', where a full set of teeth is supported by four strategically placed implants.

== Contraindications and Risks ==
* '''Absolute:''' Recent myocardial infarction, active high-dose bisphosphonate therapy (IV), or uncontrolled systemic disease.
* '''Relative:''' Heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and bruxism.
* '''Failure:''' May occur due to infection ('''[[Peri-implantitis]]''') or lack of primary stability.

== See Also ==
* [[Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery]]
* [[Bone Grafting]]
* [[Digital Dentistry]]

[[Category:Implantology]]
[[Category:Dental Procedures]]
[[Category:Prosthodontics]]