What is dental implant surgery?

Dental implants, also known as artificial dental implants, are not planted with natural teeth but are medically implanted into the alveolar bone of the missing tooth area through minor surgical procedures with biomaterials that have high compatibility with human bone (generally called implants, which are usually made of pure titanium with high compatibility and shaped into cylinders or other shapes similar to the roots of a tooth). After one to three months, when the artificial tooth root has fitted tightly into the alveolar bone, a porcelain crown is fabricated on top of the artificial tooth root.

Firstly, an oral examination is required to observe the patient's oral condition, and the status of missing teeth and to determine how to proceed with the selection of implants. Secondly, an imaging X-ray is required. Panoramic film or jawbone CT, blood test, etc. are required before implantation. The complexity of implantation required for different oral conditions varies, and there are certain requirements for oral health, such as whether there is periodontal inflammation or insufficient density of the alveolar bone. Don't underestimate the importance of these tests as they determine the success of the implant surgery.

Once the implant conditions are met, the doctor will make an appointment with you for implant surgery. The implant will be inserted into the alveolar bone of the missing tooth area in the outpatient operating theatre, and then sutures will be applied to close the trauma, and the stitches can be removed after 1~2 weeks. If you wear dentures, you will need to wait until the wound has healed completely, and you will also need to cushion the tissue surface of the abutments of your dentures.

After implant placement, there is a process of bonding between the implant and the alveolar bone, which usually takes 4 to 6 months before gum contouring (second-stage surgery) can be performed. This means that at this time the gums need to be cut again and a higher abutment is buried over the implant nail. Once the installation is complete, wait about 2 more weeks for the gums to grow in the shape of the abutment.

Patients who have had dentures know that they have to bite into the mold before having them done, which is the same thing, except that the implant model is taken more accurately. After the mold is taken, it usually takes about 3 weeks to process, and the doctor will arrange the time to wear the teeth according to the specific situation.

After the doctor gets the crown and checks that there are no problems, he will start to wear the crown for you, and then our dental implant will be completed after proper adjustment and grinding. After the dental implant is used, it is usually reviewed in 3 to 6 months. Many patients think that dental implants are a permanent solution, so they do not return to the clinic and use them to chew on hard objects, which is not desirable. Dental implants also need to be reviewed regularly and thoroughly cleaned every morning and evening by flossing or flossing correctly in addition to using the Pasteur brushing method to make dental implants last longer.

Stability of dental implants

Dental implants are not at risk of falling out of the mouth and blocking the trachea or esophagus, as can happen with conventional dentures.

Safety of dental implants

The artificial tooth root is deeply implanted into the alveolar bone, which provides functional stimulation to the alveolar bone and protects the alveolar bone structure from shrinking.

Complete retention of healthy teeth

Healthy teeth can be completely preserved without the need to grind down neighboring healthy teeth.

Stable artificial tooth roots

Good retention and stabilization increase comfort and chewing function is much better than other dentures.

Dental implant lifespan

Artificial dental implants can have a long lifespan and can be used for a lifetime if well protected.

Aesthetic appearance

They are as natural and beautiful as natural teeth and are more conducive to maintaining oral hygiene.

After a dental implant, we should pay attention to daily oral maintenance. Brush your teeth carefully after meals, pay attention to oral hygiene, learn to use dental floss correctly to prevent food residue in the gap, and so on.

If necessary, you can use a dental flosser to rinse the food residue in the implant with the water pressure of the flosser to prevent inflammation of the implant.

Reduce eating too hard food in your daily life, such as beef and hard nuts, as the force is higher when tearing and biting, which can damage the implant.

Go to the hospital every six months to a year for regular follow-up, and timely detection of inflammation, to prevent oral periodontal problems from the root cause, so that the implant is stronger and more durable.