A. Purpose

• To provide anchor and support to the false teeth without injuring the remaining teeth in the mouth

B. 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.

C. Material

• Titanium

D. Procedures for dental implant

A standard procedure

• 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.

• 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.

E. 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.

F. 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.