What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is not the literal planting of a natural tooth. Instead, it involves surgically placing an artificial tooth root (implant) into the jawbone of the missing tooth area. After a period (usually 3 to 6 months), the implant forms a strong bond with the jawbone through osseointegration. Then, an abutment and a crown are attached to restore the tooth’s appearance and function.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Full-arch fixed dental implant
● Functionality Close to Natural Teeth:Dental implants can effectively restore the chewing function of teeth. In terms of biting force and chewing efficiency, they are very similar to natural teeth, allowing for normal consumption of various foods, such as meat and vegetables.
● High Stability:The close integration of the implant with the jawbone provides stable support, making it less prone to loosening or displacement. It can function long-term in the oral cavity.
● Aesthetic and Natural Appearance:The crown of a dental implant can be customized based on the patient’s oral condition and the shape of adjacent teeth. Its color and appearance closely mimic natural teeth, achieving an effect that is virtually indistinguishable from real teeth.
Dental Implant Procedure
Step 1: Implant Placement
Step 2: Abutment Placement
Step 3: Crown Placement
Step 4: Final Implant Restoration
● Preoperative Examination and Assessment:This includes an oral examination (to assess the missing tooth area, condition of adjacent teeth, gum health, etc.) and imaging tests (such as dental X-rays or CT scans) to determine whether the quality, density, height, and width of the jawbone are suitable for implantation. The patient’s overall health is also evaluated to rule out any surgical contraindications.
● Implant Placement Surgery:Under local anesthesia, the dentist prepares an appropriate implant socket in the jawbone, places the implant into it, and then sutures the incision. Patients generally do not experience significant pain during the procedure, though mild swelling and discomfort may occur after surgery, typically subsiding within a few days.
● Healing Period:This is the phase where the implant integrates with the jawbone (osseointegration). Patients must follow the dentist’s instructions, maintain oral hygiene, avoid hard foods, and attend follow-up visits as scheduled to monitor the healing progress of the implant.
● Abutment and Crown Placement:Once the implant has successfully fused with the jawbone, the gum is reopened to attach the abutment, which connects the implant to the crown. This step is relatively straightforward. Finally, a custom-made crown, designed to match the patient’s oral conditions and adjacent teeth, is placed to complete the dental implant restoration.
Are there risks associated with dental implants?
Potential risks may include the following:
● Implant surgery requires anesthesia, and adverse reactions such as allergies may occur during anesthesia injection.
● Bleeding may occur during or after the surgery.
● During the procedure, adjacent tooth roots may be damaged; upper jaw implant surgery may affect the maxillary sinus, while lower jaw surgery may risk injuring the mandibular nerve canal.
● Implant loosening may result from infection or other factors. Implant-bone integration failure may occur due to the patient’s individual conditions.
Therefore, preoperative evaluation is extremely important. Patients must inform their doctor of any underlying conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular diseases. Blood tests and CBCT (a specialized dental CT scan with very low radiation dosage) are essential for implant surgery. Additionally, maintaining oral hygiene after the procedure is crucial.
Precautions for Dental Implants
● Oral Hygiene:
Postoperative oral cleanliness is crucial. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush twice daily (morning and night) with proper technique. Rinse with water or mouthwash after meals to promptly remove food debris and bacteria from the mouth.
● Dietary Precautions:
Avoid hard or sticky foods shortly after surgery to prevent damage to the implant or loosening of the crown. Even after the implant has fully healed, try to avoid excessive chewing on hard objects.
● Regular Follow-up Appointments:
Patients must adhere to the dentist’s schedule for follow-up visits, typically at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. These check-ups monitor the healing progress of the implant and the health of the gums.
