Implant Fixture

The implant fixture is the core component of a dental implant — a small screw, typically 10–16mm long and 3.3–5mm in diameter, made of commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy, surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root.

Why titanium?

Titanium has unique biocompatibility — the body does not recognise it as foreign and bone cells actively grow onto its surface, creating osseointegration. It has been used in medicine since the 1960s with an outstanding safety record.

Surface technology

Modern implant surfaces are micro-roughened through acid etching, sandblasting (SLA surface), or other treatments to increase the surface area available for bone contact. Surface chemistry can also be modified to attract bone-forming proteins. These technologies accelerate osseointegration and improve reliability.

Implant systems

There are hundreds of implant brands worldwide. Premium brands (Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Dentsply, Zimmer Biomet) have the most extensive clinical evidence and the widest range of compatible prosthetic components. Carl Horton uses premium-branded implant systems exclusively — cheaper unbranded systems may create difficulties if components are ever needed in the future.

Sizes

Implants come in various diameters and lengths, chosen based on available bone and the tooth being replaced. Narrow-diameter implants (2.5–3.0mm) are available for very limited sites.