Dental implants: The Key to A Confident And Beautiful Smile

 

 

 

     Dental implants are popular and considered the best treatment to replace lost natural teeth. They can also be effectively used in combination with dentures. After dental implant surgery, the implants work conveniently and enhance our appearance every time we smile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Components of Dental Implant

• Implant fixture/body This part of the implant resembles a screw and is made of titanium, a material that is biocompatible to the body. The dentist will embed this screw into the bone to secure it. Generally, after implant placement, it takes about 2-6 months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone and become strong enough to support the tooth post and artificial tooth. The duration depends on the patient's condition.

• Implant abutment This component is mostly made of titanium and is the part that extends above the gum line. It connects to the embedded implant screw.

• Prosthetic component This is the artificial crown, bridge, or denture that is attached to the abutment using dental cement, screws, or other attachments.

 

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Replaces natural teeth with the most realistic appearance.
• Improves chewing efficiency, allowing for finer food processing, which is better for the digestive system.
• Can be combined with removable dentures, helping reduce movement during speaking or chewing and preventing sores caused by pressure under the denture.
• Helps preserve the jawbone and prevent bone resorption in areas with implants.
• Transmits chewing forces to the jawbone.
• Boosts confidence, such as during speaking or smiling.
• Avoids the need to grind adjacent teeth for bridges.

 

Design of Prosthetic Dentistry with Implants

     The design of the prosthetic components varies based on the number of missing natural teeth, the amount of remaining bone, and the patient’s needs. After a thorough diagnosis with a clinical exam, CT scan, and other tests, the dentist will plan the appropriate treatment for each individual.

 

Types of Prosthetic Dentistry Used with Implants:

1.  Single Tooth Loss and Crown Placement

     When a single tooth is lost, the dentist can place an implant, attach the abutment, and place the crown without the need to grind adjacent teeth as required for a bridge in the past. This provides a more natural-looking replacement that is easy to clean.

 

 

Before and after treatment images.

 

 

2.  Multiple Tooth Loss and Bridge Placement

     In this case, the dentist will assess the number of implants needed to support the bridge. If the existing bridge is still strong enough to support chewing forces, implants may be used to supplement it. The new bridge will be securely fixed and look natural, providing an effective chewing function.

 

 

 

Image after implant placement and insertion of the abutment to create a dental bridge

 

 

Image after placing multiple dental bridge pieces in different sections of the mouth

 

 

Smile after treatment

 

 

3.  Implants with Partial or Full Removable Dentures

     For patients who have lost several teeth or an entire set of teeth, or when there is insufficient bone to support implants, implants can be used in combination with removable dentures as an alternative treatment. This helps prevent the dentures from moving during speaking or eating and improves the overall chewing experience.

 

 

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Example of an attachment system with an abutment connected to the implant, and the attachment used to hold the denture in place.

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After implant placement and attachment installation in the denture.

 

 

 

 

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The next example case involves a patient who lost all their teeth in the lower jaw. The dentist placed dental implants to enhance stability and prevent movement while speaking and chewing. This also helps reduce pressure sores on the gums under the dentures.

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Before and after treatment images.

 

 

 

4.  Implants with Hybrid Dentures (Hybrid Denture/All on 4/All on 6)

     For patients who have lost all teeth in the upper or lower jaw and have significant bone loss, hybrid dentures can be used. This type of denture is fixed in place using 4-6 implants per jaw. This provides a more compact and efficient way to chew and enhances patient confidence.

 

 

 

Before and after treatment images.
 

 

After implant placement and attachment installation in the denture.

 

 

 

Example of hybrid dentures after implant placement and abutment installation in the lower jaw

 

 

Post-Treatment Care for Dental Implants

Although dental implants cannot decay like natural teeth, gum inflammation or bone loss around the implants (implant mucositis/implantitis) can still occur. Therefore, after treatment, it is essential to maintain cleanliness and care as with natural teeth.

 

• Clean the mouth by brushing and flossing 1-2 times daily.
• Regularly visit the dentist to check the condition of the implants.
• Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods, such as bones or ice, that could stress the implants.
• If the patient grinds their teeth at night, they should consult the dentist to address the issue.