When a patient has a tooth extraction, it is advisable to receive a replacement tooth. Dental implants are one method that can help patients who have lost teeth to use them normally again, improving their quality of life while also retaining their aesthetic appearance. Therefore, understanding dental implants is something close to us that we should know.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants involve inserting an implant made of titanium or ceramic material that resembles a screw into the jawbone. Dental implants serve as the anchor for crowns, bridges, or removable dentures to replace lost teeth. The treatment typically takes about 3-6 months, with the duration and number of visits depending on various factors such as the quantity and quality of the jawbone and the number of teeth requiring implants.
Why Get Dental Implants
The purpose of dental implants is to replace lost teeth. Implants can be used to anchor crowns or bridges for fixed teeth in the mouth, or to secure removable dentures, helping them to stay in place more firmly and not easily loosen.
Preparation Before Treatment
If a dentist diagnoses that a dental implant is necessary, preparation involves:
- Visiting the dentist for an oral examination
- Maintaining overall health. If you have a chronic illness or regularly take medication, consult a doctor before treatment. Generally, if you can control your chronic illness well, dental implants can be performed, as they involve minor surgery under local anesthesia.
Dental Implant Procedure
- The dentist examines the oral condition and prepares the oral environment properly.
- Taking X-rays to assess the amount of bone and relevant organs.
- Taking an impression of the patient’s mouth for treatment planning.
- In some cases, additional 3D X-ray imaging may be required.
- Performing surgery to position the implant correctly; in some cases, bone grafting may be necessary first.
- Waiting for the bone to integrate tightly with the implant over 2-3 months, depending on various factors such as the patient’s bone volume and quality.
- Once the implant is well integrated with the bone, the dentist will take dental impressions, make crowns, bridges, or dentures, and proceed to place them in the mouth.
- Set up appointments with the patient for proper follow-up examinations.
Post-Implant Care
- Brush your teeth thoroughly.
- Use dental floss every time.
- Avoid very hard foods, such as bones.
- Visit the dentist as scheduled, every 3 or 6 months.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Enjoying food normally
- Easy to clean, similar to natural teeth care
- Enhances personality and confidence in living
- Improved health and quality of life
- Long service life, depending on the patient’s care
Is One Day Implant Possible?
Many people have heard about and are curious about the one-day dental implant process or One Day Implant. It should be understood that it is possible to implant and immediately place a tooth or crown on the implant, but other factors must be considered, such as the patient’s bone quantity and quality. Additionally, if the implant and tooth placement are done on the same day, patients should be careful with usage, such as eating soft foods for about 2-3 months. Therefore, a risk assessment by a skilled dentist is always recommended beforehand.
Currently, dental implants are considered the closest replacement for lost teeth to natural teeth, and dental treatment technology has advanced significantly compared to the past. This has made the treatment process less complex and significantly reduced treatment time. Therefore, those who are worried before receiving treatment can consult a specialist dentist for appropriate advice.
