What is a dental implant ?

What is a dental implant ?

Dental implants are tooth roots made of medical-grade titanium to replace lost natural teeth. The implants have been researched and proven to be safe and friendly to the body. The implants are surgically placed in the bone area that is planned using a digital system. The bone will hold the implants in place similar to the anchors for natural teeth, allowing the implants to function like natural teeth.

Who is suitable for dental implants ?

• People who have lost their natural teeth
• There is sufficient bone for implant placement.
• No systemic diseases that are contraindicated
• Good oral health

Which dental implant is right for me ?

Currently, there are many brands of dental implants on the market. We can choose an implant by looking at the manufacturing company to see how long it has been established and whether there is a warranty. Because choosing an implant is like buying a car. Once you have it, you have to take care of it regularly every 6 months. The equipment used to maintain or repair each brand of implants is different. It can almost be said that they cannot be used interchangeably. After getting a dental implant, we should know the brand name of the implant we have. In terms of the treatment plan, the doctor will assess the condition of the mouth and take a 3D X-ray to assess the quality of the bone to help advise which type of implant is suitable for each case. Is it necessary to add artificial bone? The doctor will plan the position and number of dental implants by assessing the oral condition of each patient, which is different.

How many types of dental implants are there ?

1. Single Dental Implant

In cases where only one or several natural teeth are missing but not adjacent, patients can maintain the cleanliness similar to caring for natural teeth. In addition, single dental implants can chew food and receive chewing force similar to natural teeth, making them suitable for almost all cases.

2. Implant Support Bridge

Suitable for cases where more than 2 natural teeth are missing and are adjacent to each other, using a bridge connecting the two dental implants.

3. Implant Retained Denture

Suitable for cases where multiple teeth are missing, removable dentures are placed on the implants to help support the dentures from becoming loose. The dentist will schedule a regular denture check-up every 6 months to check the condition and clean it.

4. Implant Supported Denture or All on 4

Suitable for cases where all natural teeth are lost. The dentist will assess and plan how many dental implants should be placed per jaw, such as 4 - 8. Placing dental implants to support this type of denture will help reduce the problem of loose dentures, slurred speech, and increase confidence in cases where all teeth are lost.

Dental implants consist of

Dental implants consist of three main parts: the implant (Fixture), the abutment, and the crown (Crown).   

1. The implant (Fixture) is made from medical grade titanium. It does not cause irritation and is friendly to the mouth. It can be attached to the bone and acts like a tooth root. It is durable against chewing forces.
2. The abutment supports the tooth crown.
3. The crown (Crown) is made from Zirconia and has the same shape and color as natural teeth.

What are the advantages of dental implants ?

• Can be used to chew food as close to natural teeth as possible.
• Enhance your personality and increase your confidence with your smile.
• Prevent adjacent teeth from falling into the missing position.
• Solve the problem of loose removable dentures, showing the denture hooks when smiling, inconvenient chewing, or food particles stuck in the dentures.

How to prepare before getting a dental implant

1. Visit your dentist for consultation and planning.

The doctor will examine your mouth and take a 3D X-ray to assess your bone quality. He will also use an Intra-Oral Scanner to scan your teeth and collect information. He will also check your medical history and current medications to plan your treatment in detail.

2. Make an appointment for implant placement.

In some cases, there may be pain and swelling after the implant is placed. Therefore, we should plan a day to avoid heavy exercise or work that requires a lot of talking for 24-48 hours after receiving the implant and refrain from smoking for 1 month before receiving the implant.

3. Dental implant day

Get enough rest, eat normally without having to abstain from food or water before receiving the implant. Avoid all types of alcoholic beverages 24-48 hours before receiving the implant because alcohol may cause the blood to stop flowing slowly.

What are the steps involved in dental implant placement ?

1. Prepare the area where the implant will be placed to the size planned under local anesthesia. During the implant placement (Fixture), the patient will not feel any pain but will feel some tightness or pressure.
2. Bone graft (GBR) or sinus lift if necessary.
3. Once the implant is placed, the doctor will clean and close the wound, leaving the Healing Cap visible above the gums.
4. Clean your mouth by brushing your teeth as usual and clean the area of ​​the Healing Cap that protrudes from the gums by using a small cotton swab soaked in clean saline and wiping in a clockwise direction.
5. Avoid chewing food over the implant site as it takes approximately 3 months for the bone to attach to the implant.
6. Scan the mouth to make a crown on the implant
7. The dentist will place the abutment and crown on the implant, take an X-ray to check the fit and the bite.
8. Make an appointment for a check-up 1-2 weeks after the implant is placed. After that, make an appointment for a regular check-up every 6 months.

Self-care after dental implants

1. Bite on the gauze on the implant surgery site for about 1-2 hours to stop the bleeding.
2. Apply cold compresses for 24-48 hours after implant surgery.
3. Avoid using straws or vigorous mouthwash for 24-48 hours after your implant surgery.
4. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require a lot of talking for 24-48 hours after receiving dental implant surgery.
5. Avoid drinking alcohol for 7 days after dental implant surgery.
6. Avoid smoking for 1 month.
7. Take pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs as recommended by your dentist.

Note: Dental implant surgery is considered a standard minor surgery. Most people find that the pain after the procedure is minimal or similar to tooth extraction. However, wound healing, pain, and swelling vary from person to person, depending on each person's body.

How many years do dental implants last ?

If the patient uses, maintains and cleans the teeth by brushing and flossing the teeth correctly every day, and visits the dentist for regular check-ups and maintenance every 6 months, the dental implants will be in good condition, without inflammation, and can stay in the mouth for up to 20 years or a lifetime. 

Note: The lifespan of dental implants depends on underlying medical conditions. In cases where the patient smokes regularly, dental implants will not last as long as in non-smokers. In addition, missing regular dental appointments every 6 months will also reduce the lifespan of dental implants.

How to clean dental implants

• Use dental floss just like you would on a natural tooth and wrap it around the tooth, but with an implant, the floss can reach a little deeper.
• Brush your teeth with implants just like you would brush your natural teeth.

Frequently asked questions about dental implants

Q: Are dental implants painful?
A: Before the procedure begins, the doctor will administer anesthesia to numb the pain. During the procedure, the patient will not feel any pain, but may feel some tightness, pressure, or vibration. After the procedure, the patient may experience soreness, pain, or swelling. The doctor will prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve these symptoms.

Q: How long does it take to get a dental implant ?
A: It usually takes about 1 hour, but if bone grafting or sinus lift is required, it may take longer, depending on the complexity of the case.

Q: How long do dental implants last ?
A: With proper cleaning, care, and regular checkups with your dentist every 6 months, dental implants can last up to 20 years or a lifetime.

Q: Are dental implants worth it ?
A: Dental implants are very durable and function like natural teeth. If we take good care of them, they can last for many years, so they are worth it.

Q: Can people who have dental implants get braces ?
A: If you plan to get braces, you should plan to get braces along with the implants and get braces done before getting the implants because the implants are fixed in place and cannot move while you are getting braces.

Q: Why should people who have dental implants not smoke ?
A: Smoking causes inflammation of the bone and tissue surrounding the implants and may affect the implant's retention.