Dental implants, also known as artificial tooth implants, are not natural teeth that are biologically grown. This treatment involves implanting biocompatible materials (commonly referred to as implant fixtures) that are highly compatible with human bone. Artificial teeth are then fabricated on top of the implants to restore the dentition on the alveolar bone.
The implant in the alveolar bone acts like the root of a natural tooth. It can fuse tightly with the alveolar bone, firmly supporting and fixing the artificial tooth above the gum line. Because implants do not require grinding adjacent teeth, offer strong chewing function, last longer, and look natural, they are known as the third set of teeth for humans and have gradually become a widely recognized method of tooth replacement in the dental field.
What are the basic steps of dental implantation?
1. Examination and planning: The doctor takes a detailed medical history, performs the necessary general and oral examinations, takes X-rays, and evaluates the bone quality and quantity at the implant site to determine whether the patient is suitable for implant treatment. A better treatment plan is then provided according to the patient’s needs.
2. Implant placement: Under local anesthesia, the implant is placed into the jawbone, and the wound is tightly sutured. The stitches are removed after about 10 days.
3. Bone healing period: The length of the healing period depends on the bone condition and location of the implant bed. If the bone condition is good, a temporary crown can be restored immediately after placement to quickly resolve the patient’s aesthetic and speech issues. Some fully edentulous patients can also receive an overdenture within 24 hours after implantation. Some patients only need a 2 to 3 month healing period, while those with poorer bone quality, or even patients who undergo bone augmentation techniques, may need 3 to 6 months or even 9 months of healing.
4. Connecting the healing abutment: When the implant is fully integrated with the jawbone, a healing abutment is connected to the implant so that the soft tissue cuff forms within 2 to 3 weeks.
5. Completing the restoration: Once the soft tissue cuff has formed, the doctor replaces the healing abutment with a permanent one, takes an impression, and designs the restoration. Once the crown or bridge is fabricated, you can wear the implant-supported teeth.
Is the implantation process harmful?
In fact, many people misunderstand the implantation process, thinking it is very complicated and must be extremely painful. Implantation is an alveolar surgery close to tooth extraction with minimal trauma. During the procedure, the patient barely feels pain because of anesthesia, and there may be only slight discomfort afterward. The placement itself takes just a few minutes, and the patient can eat after the procedure. Patients should not refuse dental implants out of fear of unknown pain.
Nowadays, implant surgery uses minimally invasive techniques, the current state-of-the-art approach. The whole process is comfortable, and patients rarely feel pain during treatment. After implant surgery, symptoms vary from patient to patient due to individual physical differences. Some patients may feel slight pain or discomfort, which quickly subsides. Therefore, implant patients need not worry; just follow the postoperative care instructions.
More and more people are gaining confidence through dental implants. Implants are of great help in replacing lost permanent teeth and rebuilding chewing function. In fact, dental implantation is not as painful as you might imagine, so you can rest assured.
