Dental Implant
Simple Dental Implant
What is dental implant?
Dental implant is a dental surgery that involves placing a titanium metal post into the jawbone to serve as the root of a prosthetic tooth. An artificial tooth crown is then attached to the implant, which is custom-designed to match the patient’s natural teeth. This procedure is used to replace missing teeth, improve chewing ability, and enhance a patient’s appearance. Dental implants offer a highly effective way to restore teeth and are often preferred over other tooth replacement options such as dentures and braces.
Dental implant process
Dental implantation is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a missing tooth with an artificial tooth root. The procedure typically involves several steps:
1 . Evaluation
Before the implant surgery, the dentist will perform a comprehensive oral evaluation, including X-rays, oral scans, and dental impressions. This is to ensure that any oral or dental health issues are not overlooked, and to document the patient's dental condition.
2 . Precise mold design
To ensure the accuracy of the surgery, the dentist will perform a computed tomography (CT) scan for each patient to ensure that the implant is placed in the correct position. The dentist will also consider the patient's specific needs and bite alignment to design the most suitable treatment plan.
3 . Anesthesia
Before the surgery, the dentist will use local anesthesia or general anesthesia to numb the oral area and reduce the patient's pain and discomfort.
4 . Implantation of the artificial implant
The dentist will use surgical instruments to place a titanium alloy implant into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the future placement of the tooth crown.
5 . Waiting for healing
After the implant surgery, the patient must wait several months for the implant to heal and integrate with the jawbone.
6 . Installation of the artificial tooth crown
Once the jawbone has healed, the dentist will take dental impressions to create an artificial tooth crown (usually made of metal or ceramic materials that closely resemble natural teeth). The crown fabrication process takes several weeks, and once completed, the dentist will attach the crown to the implant. After successful attachment, the patient's appearance and chewing function will be restored to replace the missing tooth.
7 . Follow-up treatment
After the implant surgery, the dentist will recommend regular teeth cleaning, oral examination, and care to ensure that the dental implant can be used for a long time.
What are the deficiencies of dental implants?
Price
The cost of dental implants is usually higher than traditional dentures because the procedure is more complex and requires the use of high-end technology and materials. However, the overall effect of dental implants is generally better than traditional dentures.
surgical risk
Although dental implants are more effective than traditional dentures, dental implants are invasive medical procedures, while traditional dentures are non-surgical tooth restoration techniques. So dental implant surgery can cause side effects like wound infection, bleeding, pain and swelling.
Dental implant success rate
Dental implant surgery is invasive and carries risks such as infection, bleeding, pain, and swelling. While the success rate of dental implant surgery is over 90%, it may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with certain medical conditions or chronic diseases should consult with their doctor before undergoing the procedure to avoid potential risks.
long surgery
Compared to traditional denture repair procedures, dental implant surgery takes longer and requires more complex procedures. The process involves diagnosis, evaluation, computer-aided design of molds, waiting for the socket to heal, attaching crowns, and regular follow-up visits.
The sequelae caused by the risk of dental implant surgery
Dental implants are invasive medical procedures. Depending on the position of each implant, the sequelae caused are not the same, but they can be mainly divided into upper jaw implant sequelae and mandibular implant sequelae.
Sequelae of dental implants in the upper jaw Due to the close distance to the nasal cavity, if the patient has severe bone loss, it is easy to cause damage to the blood vessels, nerves or maxillary sinus membrane, leading to sinusitis and sinus perforation.
Mandibular Dental Implant Sequelae Because the nervous system of the back row of teeth is relatively complex, if the surgical angle is incorrect, it may cause nerve damage and paralysis of the corners of the mouth or gums.
Improper habits of the patient lead to sequelae Improper cleaning and maintenance of the patient after surgery may lead to inflammation at the implant site. Fractured or loose crowns.
The patient’s physical function causes sequelae People with high blood pressure, heart disease, advanced age and other chronic diseases may have the opportunity to affect the degree of healing after surgery. It is recommended to find a professional doctor for in-depth surgical evaluation before dental implant surgery, and provide the patient’s past history Medical records to reduce unnecessary risks brought about by surgery.
Dental Implant FAQs
The cost of dental implantation depends on various factors, and the dentist will assess the patient’s condition to determine the surgery cost. The cost will vary for each patient, depending on factors such as the number and location of the implants, the patient’s oral health condition, and other considerations. The cost of dental implantation is generally higher than that of other dental procedures because it can effectively replace missing teeth and restore the patient’s normal way of life. It can be considered an investment in improving one’s quality of life.
Generally, dental implants can have a longer lifespan compared to other dental procedures. However, the lifespan of the implant is dependent on various factors, and the success of the surgery and restoration can only guarantee about half of the expected lifespan. If patients maintain good oral hygiene habits and regularly attend follow-up appointments, they can prolong the lifespan of their dental implants. With proper care and maintenance, a single dental implant can last for many years.
During the dental implantation process, the dentist will administer local or general anesthesia to the patient to reduce pain or discomfort during the surgery. After the surgery, patients may still experience some mild pain or discomfort, which can vary depending on the individual. Following the dentist’s instructions and taking prescribed medications can help alleviate any pain or discomfort, and it should gradually subside over time.
The completion time of dental implantation varies depending on each individual’s specific situation, including the number and location of teeth to be implanted, oral examination and evaluation, the implantation surgery procedure, and the fusion of the implant and the jawbone. Dental implantation typically takes several months, during which the patient will need to attend several follow-up appointments to ensure the smooth progress of the implantation process.
After dental implantation surgery, patients need to strictly follow the dentist’s instructions, including oral hygiene and dietary precautions. In the first few days after the surgery, patients should avoid chewing hard foods and try to consume liquid or soft foods. They should also follow the dentist’s medication recommendations to ensure proper healing of the implant.
With the advancement of implantation technology, the success rate of dental implantation surgery has been increasing. The success rate of lower jaw dental implantation surgery is over 95%, and the success rate of upper jaw dental implantation surgery is over 90%. However, the most important factor in ensuring the long-term use of dental implants is the patient’s postoperative care and maintenance, including regular teeth cleaning, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices.
Developing proper cleaning habits, treating natural teeth with care, using dental floss to clear residue between teeth after eating, scheduling regular dental cleanings and maintenance, and following the instructions of your dentist for regular check-ups are effective ways to maintain the health of dental implants and natural teeth. By following these instructions, you can effectively maintain the health of your teeth and ensure they stay strong and healthy.
Immediate implant placement is a dental implant procedure where the implant is placed into the jawbone immediately after the natural tooth extraction, without waiting for the socket to heal first. This technique is also known as immediate loading or same-day implants.
In traditional implant placement, after a tooth is extracted, a healing period of several months is required for the socket to heal and for the bone to fuse with the implant before the artificial tooth can be attached to it. However, with immediate implant placement, the implant is placed immediately after the tooth extraction, often using a specially designed implant that has a roughened surface to encourage bone growth and improve stability. This can reduce the overall treatment time and the number of office visits required for the procedure.
Immediate implant placement is a suitable option for patients who have good bone density and gum health and who have healthy teeth and gums adjacent to the extraction site. However, it may not be recommended in cases where there is a significant infection or damage to the bone or soft tissue surrounding the tooth socket. It is essential to consult with a dental professional to determine if immediate implant placement is the right option for your specific case.
Matters attention for dental implants
Professional dentist：For a successful dental implant surgery, it is important to find a professional dentist to perform the procedure. If the dentist lacks proper skills and experience, there is a risk of infection and other complications after the surgery.
Preparation before surgery:：It is recommended to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol a few weeks before the dental implant surgery, as smoking can increase the risk of bone loss and alcohol may interfere with the healing process of the wound after the surgery.
Post-operative care: After the surgery, it is important to avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can put pressure on the implanted tooth. Instead, soft and easily chewable foods should be consumed to ensure the wound can heal properly. It is also important to use dental floss to remove any food residues between teeth after eating, schedule regular dental cleanings and maintenance, and follow the dentist’s instructions for check-ups. By following these instructions, you can effectively maintain the health of your dental implants and oral hygiene.
