If you have lost any number of teeth due to accidents, tooth decay, or gum disease and are looking for a way to ‘rebuild your teeth’ to confidently smile again with a healthy oral condition, ‘dental implants’ are an attractive option. They can replace natural teeth in terms of both appearance and function. However, before deciding to get dental implants, having complete information and understanding the various procedures involved will help you be better prepared and choose the best option for yourself.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are materials used to replace natural tooth roots, typically made from titanium, which is biocompatible, strong, and resistant to chewing forces. They provide a feeling and function close to real teeth and have a long lifespan. However, before undergoing treatment, you should consider and prepare yourself to achieve the best results as follows.
What you should know before getting dental implants
- Good oral health is essential Before starting the implant placement process, you must not have severe gum disease or tooth decay, as good oral health is a key factor for treatment success.
- Sufficient bone volume is required If you have lost teeth for a long time, bone resorption may occur, so bone grafting might be necessary before implant placement to ensure stable fixation.
- The process takes several months to allow the bone to fully integrate with the implant, usually about 2-4 months, and up to 6 months if bone grafting is involved.
- Costs are higher than dentures but provide results closer to natural teeth and can last 10-20 years or more with proper care.
- Suitable for healthy individuals Those with certain chronic diseases, such as poorly controlled diabetes or heavy smokers, may not be suitable for implants due to effects on healing and treatment success.
- Regular hygiene care is necessary to prevent gum inflammation and oral infections.
Structure of dental implants
The structure of dental implants consists of three main parts, which help the implant withstand chewing forces well and feel like natural teeth, as follows:
- Implant Body or Fixture Made from titanium, a durable and biocompatible material, shaped like a screw or bolt that is embedded into the jawbone to replace the natural tooth root.
- Abutment Acts as a connector between the implant and the crown, similar to the main tooth axis. Usually made from titanium or ceramic, it is attached to the implant with a screw, securing the crown firmly to the implant.
- Crown Functions like a tooth for chewing food, made from ceramic or zirconia to closely resemble the appearance and color of real teeth. The crown sits on the abutment, which connects the crown to the implant.
Digital technology used in dental implant design
Using digital technology in designing and placing dental implants increases accuracy in implant positioning, reduces treatment time from diagnosis, planning, manufacturing, to installation, and helps reduce pain and recovery time. The technologies used in these processes include:
- 3D oral scanning with an intraoral scanner to create models of teeth, gums, and jawbone, improving the accuracy of implant placement and avoiding risky areas such as nerves and sinuses that could be damaged if implants are misplaced.
- Digital implant planning using specialized dental software combined with 3D radiographic images (CT Scan or CBCT) to precisely determine the position, angle, depth, and size of the implant.
- CAD/CAM manufacturing (Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing) allows fast, precise production of implant components that fit perfectly in the mouth, reducing the need for adjustments during treatment.
- Digital surgical guides used to guide implant placement through 3D printed models from digital scans, enabling precise drilling points during surgery, reducing errors, increasing safety, and minimizing tissue damage.
How are dental implants different from dentures?
Characteristics and materials
| Dental Implants | Dentures |
| Made from titanium, which is biocompatible Resembles natural tooth roots Embedded into the jawbone |
Made from acrylic resin or metal alloys Available as removable or fixed types Not embedded in the jawbone |
Installation
| Dental Implants | Dentures |
| Requires surgical implantation into the bone Takes several months for the implant to integrate with the bone Bone condition must be assessed before starting |
No surgery required Shorter preparation and installation time than implants May require multiple impressions for proper fit |
Retention
| Dental Implants | Dentures |
| Firmly anchored permanently to the jawbone Does not loosen or move while speaking or chewing Permanently fixed |
Held by suction or clasps on teeth May loosen or shift if not fitting well Must be removed daily for cleaning |
Performance
| Dental Implants | Dentures |
| Functions close to real teeth in chewing and speech Can withstand chewing forces well without distributing stress to adjacent teeth |
Chewing efficiency is reduced, especially for hard or sticky foods May affect speech initially or if dentures are loose |
Lifespan
| Dental Implants | Dentures |
| 10-20 years or more with good care Not easily degraded |
Average 3-7 years depending on materials and care Must be replaced when worn or jaw shape changes |
Maintenance
| Dental Implants | Dentures |
| Brush teeth normally Regular dental check-ups |
Must be removed daily and cleaned with denture cleaner Avoid very hot or sticky foods |
Impact on jawbone
| Dental Implants | Dentures |
| Stimulates and maintains jawbone to prevent resorption Prevents facial shape changes |
Does not stimulate bone, may cause jawbone resorption over time Facial shape gradually changes in the long term |
Cost
| Dental Implants | Dentures |
| Higher cost but a long-term investment worth the performance and durability | Lower cost but may require multiple replacements or repairs over time |
Feeling during use
| Dental Implants | Dentures |
| Feels most like real teeth No foreign body sensation in the mouth Increases confidence in speaking and smiling |
May feel unnatural at first May cause rubbing or irritation on gums Confidence may decrease if dentures slip while speaking |
Suitability for users
| Dental Implants | Dentures |
| For those with strong jawbone For those seeking long-term results and high confidence |
For those who cannot undergo surgery, such as elderly or those with chronic diseases For those wanting to reduce costs or use occasionally |
How dental implants help solve oral health problems
- Dental implants play an important role in restoring oral health because they not only allow natural chewing without worrying about teeth moving or falling out but also reduce physical discomfort, making you feel more relaxed. Efficient chewing also benefits the digestive system and allows for a more varied diet.
- They stimulate jawbone growth, making the oral structure stable and strong, reducing bone resorption, and preventing long-term loss of jawbone thickness. They do not affect adjacent teeth because implants are embedded directly into the bone, unlike bridges that rely on neighboring teeth for support, thus helping preserve remaining teeth.
- Easy to clean by simply brushing and maintaining regular oral hygiene, effectively reducing the risk of gum disease and improving overall oral health sustainably.
Preparation before getting dental implants
Preparing before getting dental implants helps ensure effective treatment and reduces the risk of complications during or after the procedure. The guidelines are as follows:
- Oral health examination, including teeth, gums, and jawbone integrity, especially treatment of gum disease or infections that may affect implant placement. To ensure the jawbone is strong enough for implant insertion, X-rays or CT scans may be required to assess bone structure.
- Consult and provide information to the dentist, especially health history such as diabetes, heart disease, and current medications. Ask about treatment steps, side effects, and other concerns to prepare properly.
- Treatment planning with the dentist by selecting the type of implant, understanding materials, properties, and cost-effectiveness, scheduling surgery, recovery time, and follow-up appointments.
- Prepare your body by fasting (no food or drink) 6-8 hours before implant surgery to prevent nausea or vomiting during the procedure. Also, stop or adjust certain medications to prevent complications, such as blood thinners, as advised by the dentist.
- Arrange for a caregiver, such as a family member to assist during recovery after surgery.
- Prepare the environment and supplies for good rest, including necessary items like cold packs to reduce swelling and soft, easy-to-eat foods such as soup, yogurt, or pureed food to avoid using the newly implanted teeth initially.
If you are experiencing dental health problems and want strong, naturally functioning new teeth, dental implants are a good option. At the Digital Dental and Implant Center, Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital, we offer dental implant services with a specialized dental team using advanced technology to ensure that dental implants effectively solve dental and oral health problems, helping you regain a bright smile once again.
Dr. Thanapon Noomanoi
Prosthodontics Specialist
Digital Dental and Implant Center
Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital
