What should we pay attention to regarding dental implant treatment? How is implant surgery performed? Can dental implants work as well as natural teeth? Here is a brief introduction.
1. Pre‑operative Examination: Panoramic radiographs and CT scans are taken to evaluate intra‑oral conditions, alveolar bone density, periodontal tissues and adjacent root‑tip status. The patient’s medical history including hypertension and diabetes is reviewed. General and oral conditions are comprehensively assessed to confirm eligibility for implant surgery.
2. Collect the patient’s oral data, determine the number, position, angulation and length of implants, and fabricate a three‑dimensional surgical guide.
3. Perform implant surgery. Place the custom‑made 3D guide in the patient’s mouth. Prepare implant osteotomy sites under guide guidance, insert implants and suture the gingival wound. Sutures will be removed in approximately one week.
4. Wait for osseointegration between implants and alveolar bone. Healing duration varies among individuals and implant systems.
5. Attach healing abutments to let implants penetrate the gingiva and allow soft‑tissue maturation.
6. After 2‑3 weeks when soft‑tissue formation completes, replace healing abutments with permanent abutments and fit the prosthetic crown.
7. Attend regular follow‑up check‑ups after restoration completion.
Will there be discomfort after implant surgery?
Modern anaesthetic techniques together with proper post‑operative care can minimise patient discomfort. Wounds generally heal within 7‑10 days. Some degree of discomfort may occur during recovery and varies from person to person, yet severe complications are uncommon for most patients.
Discomfort can be relieved by taking prescribed medication and applying local cold compresses. Keep the surgical site clean and avoid chewing hard food.
