‘Dental Implants’ A Technique to Solve the Problem of Natural Tooth Loss

Dental implants are devices invented to replace the loss of natural teeth. They involve embedding screw-shaped materials into the patient’s jawbone. Once the implant integrates with the jawbone, it can support crowns, bridges, or full dentures, depending on the number of implants placed. In most cases, if supporting bridges or full dentures, at least two implants are used.

How do dental implants help solve oral problems?

Normally, dental implants are created to replace lost natural teeth or to substitute for dentures. Dentures are divided into two types: removable and fixed. Removable dentures are the common type often used by the elderly. Fixed dentures include bridges and implants. When comparing implants to removable dentures, removable dentures have 3-4 times less chewing force than natural teeth, while the chewing ability of implants is much closer to natural teeth. Therefore, implants help patients chew food better after losing their natural teeth.

Preparation before implant treatment

1. Patients must come for an oral examination to determine if they are suitable for implants, check overall health, and identify any underlying conditions that may contraindicate implant treatment.
2. After evaluation, the dentist will refer the patient for a CT scan to assess both the quantity and quality of the existing bone.
3. Assess which type of implant is suitable for the patient, including the required length and size.
4. Schedule the patient for surgery.

Steps during implant surgery

1. Administer local anesthesia and wait for it to take effect.
2. Incise the gum to expose the bone beneath.
3. Drill the bone to create a guide for the implant, then place the implant according to the prepared guide.
4. Suture the wound closed and wait 3-4 months for the implant to integrate directly with the bone.
5. Return to the dentist to reopen the gum and take impressions for the crown.

Can you eat normally after surgery?

After implant surgery, the doctor will recommend a liquid diet for the first 2-3 weeks to avoid disturbing the implant site during chewing. Once the patient can chew better, the dentist will advise using the opposite side of the mouth for chewing. Gradually, the patient can return to a normal diet if they can chew food thoroughly.

Using computer-assisted planning

Currently, abroad, computers are used in planning implant treatments. This software works with CT scans to help plan implant placement. The dentist must first determine where to place the implant in the bone to avoid important structures such as nerves or sinuses and to ensure suitability for the crown position. Then, a guide with holes matching the drill is prepared. During surgery, this guide is placed in the patient’s mouth, allowing drilling and implant placement according to the planned positions. This method increases accuracy and shortens the overall implant procedure time. It is especially useful when placing two or more implants.

Immediate implant placement after tooth extraction: a faster alternative

One technology gaining recognition in the past 2-3 years is immediate implant placement after tooth extraction. The advantage of this technique is that it shortens the patient’s total treatment time. Normally, after extraction, patients must wait about 4-6 months for healing before implant placement, then wait another 3-4 months for healing after implant placement, followed by about 1 month for the crown, totaling nearly a year. Immediate implant placement allows skipping the initial 4-6 month healing period. However, patients must be evaluated for bone and tooth condition to determine if immediate implant placement is feasible after extraction.

Dental Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital

Currently, Phyathai 2 Hospital offers a variety of modern implant treatment technologies. The hospital emphasizes instrument cleanliness, with a team regularly monitoring and checking instrument sterilization standards annually. The staff, including dental assistants, are also skilled in implant procedures. Patients receiving implant treatment at Phyathai 2 Hospital can be confident that they will not only receive beautiful teeth but also a confident smile.