It is common to experience tooth loss. On average, most adults over 40 years old have lost at least 3 teeth and this number continues to increase with age. There are different factors that can cause tooth loss, such as diet, oral health issues and accident. Having missing teeth can cause significant damage to your appearance, speech, chewing ability and even deforming your face to look older. In case of a missing tooth, treatment should be sought as soon as possible. Otherwise, more oral problems would be triggered and the future treatment scope will be larger and more complicated.

Dental implants can reconstruct single or multiple missing teeth by fusing an artificial tooth root into the gum and jawbone with surgery.

Dental implants can reconstruct single or multiple missing teeth by fusing an artificial tooth root into the gum and jawbone with surgery.

How does dental implant work?

During an implant surgery, the jawbone of the toothless area will be opened to place in the dental implant, which serves as an artificial tooth root. Once the jawbone is fused with the implant, an artificial tooth will be screwed into the implant foundation to replace the missing tooth. Dental implants are mostly made with titanium due to its high biocompatibility. As the titanium implant and the jawbone are fused together, it would not easily slip, cause noises or damage bone structure like fixed and removable prosthesis.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implant?

– Can treat cases that could not be treated by conventional methods such as dental bridge or denture

– Avoid grinding healthy teeth and building pressure on the natural teeth

– Have better function than conventional dental bridge and denture, providing an effective way to restore chewing function. The strength of chewing by denture accounts for only 1/20 of natural teeth. In contrast, implant provides chewing function that is strong as a natural tooth

– The durability and superior aesthetic appearance of dental implant are comparable to real teeth. If the implant placement is being maintained properly, it can be used for 10-30 years

– Since the implant placement is an artificial tooth, there is no chance of developing cavities

– Help to restore the patient’s self-esteem and confidence, just like regaining real teeth

– Prevent further bone resorption following tooth loss

Who are Suitable for Dental Implant?

– Patients with good general health who are suitable to undergo general surgery

– Patients who want to have replacement of single or multiple teeth, or even full arch teeth replacement

– Patients who have a long toothless area, which is not suitable for conventional dental bridge

– Patients who do not want the conventional method of dental bridge by grinding health teeth

– Patients who cannot tolerate wearing dentures

– Patients who cannot wear and chew effectively with dentures

– With enough jawbone to support the implantation (otherwise bone grafting is required)

– With enough space to accommodate the prosthesis over the implant

Treatment Procedure of Dental Implant

  1. Consultation: Dental implant surgery is usually performed by a trained dentist or an oral and maxillo-facial surgeon. The surgery can only be commenced after oral diagnosis and treatment planning. Study models, radiographs and diagnostic imaging are usually required for proper treatment planning, to confirm the type of implant and the implantation position and angle.
  2. First Stage of Treatment: Implant treatments are usually performed in two stages, the first stage is implant surgery. During the implant surgery, a suitable site will be created in the jawbone. The implant will then be inserted into the site prepared.
  3. Healing: When the jawbone fuses with the implant after 3 to 6 months and the healing condition is ideal, a part of gum on the implant will be cut off, and a healing abutment will be placed to help gum tissue heal around the implant site.
  4. Second Stage of Treatment: After the gum is healed, the second stage of constructing the prosthetic part can be performed. An impression device will replace the healing abutment to copy the position and angle of the implant. A prosthesis will be constructed according to the impression and placed on the implant. The treatment is then completed.

In general, a simple implant treatment takes about 4 to 6 months to complete. Longer periods are usually required for complex situation such as cases that requiring bone grafting.

 

Implant

Bridge

Denture

Method of Surgery

Root of an independent artificial tooth is inserted into the bone

Teeth on both sides are ground down; a prosthesis of three linked teeth is made and embedded

Periodontal mold is prepared and subsequently made in the form of standard teeth and placed in the mouth

Damage to Teeth

No damage to adjacent teeth

Abutment teeth on both sides are ground and damaged as dental crowns are placed

The gum ridges recede and shrink gradually

Strength of Chewing

Strength of chewing similar to that of natural teeth

Pressures is added to the abutment teeth on both sides and the gum

 Difficult to eat tough and hard food

Treatment Period

Immediate to 6 months (depends on the condition of gums)

Short treatment period

Short treatment period

Life Span

Semi-permanent, can be used over 10 years

To be replaced every 5-10 years

To be repaired and replaced every 3-4 years

Cost

Considering the life span, it is economical despite the high initial cost.

Low initial cost, but the maintenance fee is much higher

Low cost compared to implants. However, additional costs are incurred for replacement. It is uncomfortable to use as well