A dental implant is a biocompatible (titanium) structure implanted in the jawbone which is used to support false teeth, such as denture, bridge or crown.
Properties
Do not need to remove tooth substances from neighbouring
teeth.
Can be cleaned just like any tooth. No special cleaning method is needed.
Disadvantage
Relatively expensive
Surgical procedure is needed
Not everyone is suitable to have an implant
Purpose
To provide anchor and support to the false teeth without injuring the remaining teeth in the mouth
Mechanism
Owing to the biocompatibility of titanium implants, the bone becomes united with the implants and the implants can serve as the roots to retain and support false teeth.
Material
Titanium
Procedures for dental implant
Thorough examination
First of all, a detailed oral examination is performed
including X-ray examination, and CT (Computerised Tomography)
scan to determine the position and angulations to place
the titanium implants.
Procedure for dental
implant
A
standard procedure
Surgery
The gum
flap is raised and holes are drilled into the jawbone
at the pre-determined positions and angulations. Then
the dental implants are inserted into the holes and
the gum flap is closed and held to the original position
by sutures.
The jawbone will unite with the dental
implants within 3 to 6 months. At this time, the small
piece of gum covering the dental implant will be removed
and a healing component will be inserted onto the dental
implants. This allows the gum to heal in a better shape
around the dental implants.
False teeth fitting
When the gums around the dental implants heal, the healing
component will be replaced by an impression component.
Impressions of the dental arches are taken. The impression
component transfers the position and the angulations
of the dental implant to the dental impression.
In the dental laboratory,
the false teeth (denture, crown or bridge) are fabricated.
The false teeth are fixed onto the dental implants.
The
other method
The
One-Stage Surgical procedure is done by placing the healing
abutment onto the implant at the same time during the
first surgery.
Eliminates
the need for a second surgery
The
immediately loaded implant procedure is done by placing
the prosthesis at the same time when the implant is inserted.
Patient makes only one trip to the dentist and leaves
with “teeth” inserted
Immediate
implant procedure is done by immediately inserting the
implant into the socket right after an extraction.
Which
kind of dental implant is suitable for you?
The
choice of implant systems and procedure depends on the
condition of the jaw bone and the patient, the training
of the dentist, cost, etc. Please discuss with your dentist
to make the appropriate choice.
Points to note after insertion of dental implant
Teeth
must be cleaned thoroughly to avoid gingival infections
around the implant which can cause the implant to loosen.
.
Regular
recall and cleaning by dental professionals is also very
important after inserting dental implant.
