Introduction

Implant screws, also known as implants, are a key medical device used in oral implant surgery. It is an artificial tooth root that replaces the natural tooth root and provides a stable support for the crown, thereby restoring the chewing and aesthetic functions of the teeth.

Structure composition

Implant part:

This is the body of the implant screw, usually made of pure titanium or titanium alloy. Titanium and titanium alloys have excellent biocompatibility and can be well combined with human alveolar bone tissue to reduce rejection. The shape of the implant is generally cylindrical or threaded, and the surface of the cylindrical implant may have some special microstructure designs, such as micro-threads, micropores, etc., to increase the contact area with the bone tissue; the thread design of the threaded implant is similar to that of the bone screw, which can be better closely combined with the alveolar bone and enhance the initial stability. For example, some advanced implants use acid etching on their surface to form tiny pits, which are conducive to the attachment and growth of bone cells.

The length and diameter of the implant have various specifications. The doctor will choose the appropriate size according to the height, width and density of the patient's alveolar bone. Generally speaking, the length range is about 8 - 18mm and the diameter is about 3-6mm.

Connection part (abutment):

Located in the upper part of the implant, its role is to connect the implant and the crown. The material of the abutment is also mostly titanium or titanium alloy, and its shape and structure design are more diverse. There is a regular straight abutment for simple implant restoration; there is also an angle abutment. When the implantation direction of the implant is inconsistent with the ideal direction of the crown, the angle abutment can be used to adjust the angle to ensure the correct installation of the crown. The top of the abutment usually has some connection structures for connecting with the restoration of the crown part, such as the inner hexagon connection structure or the outer hexagon connection structure.

Cover screw (healing cap):

A covering screw or healing cap is used to close the top opening of the implant during the initial stage of implant implantation. It prevents impurities such as bacteria in the mouth from entering the implant, while providing a good healing environment for the surrounding gum tissue. The shape and color of the healing cap will vary according to different brands and uses. Some healing caps are designed to be similar to the color of the gum tissue, which is more beautiful during the healing period.

Working principle

In dental implant surgery, a suitable implant socket is first prepared on the patient's alveolar bone, and dental implant screws are implanted into it. After implantation, the alveolar bone will be combined with the surface of the implant screw, which is a complex physiological process. The osteoblasts in the bone tissue will gradually attach to the surface of the implant and secrete bone matrix. After a period of time (usually 3 - 6 months, depending on the individual condition of the patient and the type of implant), they will form a tight bone union. After that, by connecting the abutment, the crown is installed on the abutment, so that the artificial teeth can perform chewing and other functions like natural teeth. In the process of osseointegration, the stability of implant screws is very important, and good initial stability (determined by the shape, size and implantation technology of the implant) can provide a good foundation for subsequent osseointegration.

Application areas

Repair of missing teeth: It is mainly used for the restoration of single tooth loss, multiple tooth loss and even full mouth tooth loss. For a single tooth loss, such as after tooth extraction due to trauma or dental caries, implant screws can be implanted to restore the shape and function of the tooth. In the case of multiple missing teeth, multiple implant screws can be used together to provide stable support for dental bridges and other restoration methods through reasonable design and connection. For the loss of complete teeth, implant overdenture technology is a common method, by implanting a certain number of implant screws in the upper and lower jaws, it provides a reliable fixation for the complete denture, and improves the masticatory efficiency and quality of life of patients.

Features

Excellent biocompatibility: Since dental implant screws mainly use titanium and titanium alloy materials, these materials hardly cause the immune response of the human body. They can be highly compatible with alveolar bone tissue, which is conducive to the occurrence of osseointegration, and is one of the key factors to ensure the success of dental implants.

Strong stability: Through reasonable structural design and close combination with alveolar bone, dental implant screws provide stable support for the crown. This stability can withstand greater chewing forces, ensuring that the patient's teeth will not loosen or shift during normal eating. Under normal maintenance, dental implant screws can be used for a long time, even for life.

High personalized requirements: Each patient's alveolar bone condition is different, including bone mass, bone density, alveolar bone shape, etc. are unique. Therefore, the selection and implantation process of dental implant screws need to be personalized designed and operated according to the specific conditions of patients. Doctors need to accurately assess the patient's oral condition and choose the appropriate implant size, shape and placement to ensure the success of the implant.