Dental implants or implant roots are materials shaped like tooth roots made from titanium, which is safe and highly compatible with the human body. The implant root is used to be embedded into the jawbone to support both fixed and removable dentures. Currently, implant placement is considered one of the best methods for tooth replacement.
3 Components of a Dental Implant
- The implant root embedded in the bone (Implant Body Or Fixture): This part resembles a screw or bolt that is embedded into the jawbone to integrate with the bone, functioning like a natural tooth root.
- Implant Abutment: This is the connecting part between the Implant Body and the prosthetic dental part, made from titanium or ceramic, acting as the tooth replacement.
- Prosthetic Component: This is the artificial tooth part, such as crowns, bridges, or removable dentures attached to the Implant Abutment using dental cement or screws.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- The procedure does not require grinding adjacent teeth and helps prevent loss of neighboring teeth and bone, enhancing oral health.
- Provides new teeth that are strong, durable, and permanent, allowing efficient chewing and offering the most natural appearance.
- Increases confidence and improves quality of life.
- No issues with speech or pronunciation compared to other types of dentures.
- Improves comfort and stability when wearing removable dentures.
- When combined with removable dentures, it eliminates problems of denture movement during talking or eating.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants are mainly divided into 3 types: Conventional implant, Immediate implant, and Immediate Loaded Implant. The choice depends on the oral physical condition, patient needs, and the dentist’s experience.
Conventional Implant
This involves implant placement where the dentist plans treatment starting with oral and dental examination, taking impressions, X-rays, or sometimes CT scans for certain areas. Then, the patient is scheduled for minor surgery to embed the implant into the jawbone. It requires waiting for the implant and bone to fully integrate, which takes about 3-4 months depending on bone condition, before attaching the prosthetic tooth. The time for this step depends on the type of prosthetic, usually 1-4 weeks. If the patient has very little bone in the implant area, bone grafting is necessary first. In some cases where bone grafting is not possible, alternative treatments must be considered.
Immediate Implant
This is implant placement immediately after natural tooth extraction. The advantage is reducing steps and treatment time, minimizing bone resorption, and reducing gum recession. This method is suitable for front teeth or premolars and requires no pathology at the root tip of the extracted tooth and sufficient bone volume for implant stability.
Immediate Loaded Implant
This involves attaching the prosthetic part, such as temporary or permanent crowns, to the implant immediately after placement. It shortens treatment time but provides good aesthetics since the patient has teeth at all times. However, some patients may not be suitable for this method due to certain limitations.
Types of Prosthetic Components
Dentists can use dental implants to replace teeth in various ways, such as replacing a single tooth.
- In cases where only 1 or 2 teeth are missing, fixed dentures can be done in two ways: implant placement or bridgework. Implants are considered the most successful method with advantages such as no need to grind adjacent teeth and easier cleaning. Bridgework requires connected crowns; if one tooth has a problem, the entire bridge must be removed. Also, placing a bridge on weak teeth may damage the supporting teeth.
- Replacing multiple teeth: If one tooth is missing in several locations, implants can support crowns. If multiple adjacent teeth are missing, dentists can place implants to support a bridge, reducing the number of implants needed or in areas where the number of implants cannot match the number of missing teeth.
- In cases of many missing teeth, implants help make removable dentures more stable, eliminating the need for denture clasps or shortening the denture base.
- Replacing all teeth in the mouth: For complete tooth loss, implants can support both fixed and removable dentures. Fixed dentures require 4, 6, or 8 implants per jaw, while removable dentures use 2-4 implants. The methods and complexity vary.
Who Should and Should Not Receive Dental Implants
- Anyone who has lost natural teeth can receive implant treatment regardless of age, but it is not recommended for children under 18 because the jawbone is still growing.
- Pregnant women should wait until after childbirth before getting implants.
- Patients with certain chronic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes, cancer patients undergoing radiation to the face and jaw, severe periodontitis, leukemia, or hyperthyroidism should receive additional treatment before implant placement.
- Patients on immunosuppressive drugs or heavy smokers may have reduced treatment success.
- Patients with schizophrenia, severe rheumatoid arthritis, or muscle control problems who cannot maintain oral hygiene should not receive implants.
What Symptoms Lead Doctors to Consider Dental Implants
The key factor is that the patient desires the most natural-looking dentures, wants to smile and speak confidently, needs effective chewing, or wants to replace remaining teeth that are not strong enough to support other types of dentures. Even patients who have failed with removable dentures can benefit greatly from implants.
Currently, implant placement for missing 1-2 teeth is considered the best method. Implants also improve the effectiveness of removable dentures, playing a role in almost all denture cases.
Preparation for Dental Implant Treatment
Patients undergoing implant treatment must be thoroughly examined and evaluated by a specialist dentist to prevent future complications that are difficult to fix. The dentist must have knowledge and expertise to select the appropriate implant, understand chewing function, and prosthetic procedures. Patients with chronic diseases or on medication should inform their dentist. Importantly, patients should maintain good oral hygiene before treatment.
Implant Longevity and Care
Implants are made from highly durable titanium. Their lifespan depends on the patient’s oral hygiene. Implants do not decay but can develop gum inflammation if not properly cared for. Care is similar to natural teeth: brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
We specialize in dental health care
with specialists in every field
For elderly patients with dental problems, poor chewing, worn teeth, or teeth at the end of their lifespan, it is advisable to consult specialists in each dental field. At the Dental Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital, we have expertise in all branches of dentistry to care for your teeth beautifully, effectively, and for the long term.
