Page 36 - Southdown Dental Implant Book

Three: Which Type of Implant is for You? | 35 1. CONVENTIONAL IMPLANTS (SINGLE OR SEVERAL TEETH) As I’ve mentioned, conventional implants are designed to replace the root of a natural tooth. After the implants are integrated into the jawbone, replacement crowns are attached to them, which look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace one, or several, teeth. To replace an entire mouth of teeth, at least four to eight implants are needed (depending on the patient). Conventional dental implants come in a variety of diameters and lengths: generally ranging from 3-8mm in diameter, and 7-15mm in length. The finished result of a conventional implant is a “three-piece” unit consisting of: 1. the dental implant itself (in the jawbone) 2. the abutment, which is basically the connecting piece between the dental implant in the jawbone 3. the crown (replacement “tooth”) that we see in a smiling mouth