How Do Dental Implants Work?
A titanium post integrates with your jawbone, then a custom crown is fitted on top.
Through a process called osseointegration, the bone fuses around the post over time, creating a strong, permanent foundation for a new tooth.
- ImplantA titanium post placed in the jaw as the new tooth root.
- AbutmentA small connector that links the implant to the crown.
- CrownA custom porcelain or ceramic tooth fitted on top.
Most systems use tapered or straight screws to anchor the implant. The differences are usually in surface treatments and abutment design, all engineered to improve healing and fit.
The specialists leading your care.
Dr. Khanh Le
DMD · Periodontist
Ever since Dr. Khanh Le started school in her native Canada, she was drawn to and inspired by science classes. This interest led her to pursue a career in the healthcare field, which resulted in her studying dentistry. Dr. Le went on to earn her DMD from the University of Montreal in 2002. After graduating, she found herself eager to continue her education, so she decided to pursue a specialty in periodontology, also at Laval. In 2008, she was awarded a Master's Degree in Sciences with a Certificate in Periodontology.
Dr. Rustam DeVitre
DMD · Prosthodontist
Dr. Rustam DeVitre's expertise in dentistry spans many subjects, giving him the unique ability to masterfully treat the most complex oral rehabilitation cases. He is a prosthodontist who is known for his capacity to manage temporomandibular joint disease as well as for his passion for implant dentistry. His background is centered around aesthetics, as he has a meticulous eye for detail and understands what is cosmetically appealing.
How Do Dental Implants Work? questions, answered.
These answers cover the usual starting points. Call the office when your situation needs a more specific answer.
What is a dental implant made of?
- The implant itself is a titanium post that serves as the new tooth root. It connects to an abutment, a small connector piece, which in turn holds a custom porcelain or ceramic crown on top.
What is osseointegration?
- Osseointegration is the process by which your jawbone fuses around the titanium implant post over time. This fusion creates a strong, permanent foundation that supports the abutment and crown.
Are all dental implants the same?
- Most implant systems use a tapered or straight screw design, but they vary in surface treatment and abutment design. Our team chooses the system and approach that best fits your bone and treatment plan.
What holds the crown onto a dental implant?
- The crown attaches to the abutment, which is the connector piece secured to the implant post. Together, the implant, abutment, and crown work like the root, connector, and visible tooth of a natural tooth.
How long does the dental implant process take?
- Simple cases can be finished in just a few visits, while more complex cases take longer, especially if a bone graft is needed first. We lay out your custom timeline once planning is complete.
How long do dental implants last?
- Implants never decay, and with proper care they can be expected to last a lifetime. Good oral hygiene, good eating habits, and regular dental visits all help maintain them.
Where can I get dental implants explained in person?
- Our team at Hingham Dentistry can walk you through how implants work for your specific situation at a consultation. Call our office in Hingham to schedule a visit and get your questions answered.
Take the next step with the right doctor.
Tell us what you are experiencing, and we will connect you with the doctor whose training fits the case.