What is an implant?

Jan 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

Dental implants are typically made of materials with good biocompatibility, such as titanium and titanium alloys. During the dental implant surgery, the dentist places the implant into the alveolar bone at the site of the missing tooth. The shape of the implant is designed to conform to the anatomical structure of the alveolar bone, and its surface is specially treated, for example by sandblasting or acid etching, to enhance integration with the bone tissue.

Generally, an implant is an artificial tooth root implanted into the bone tissue of the human body. It serves to support and fix the upper dental restoration, providing a foundation for the repair of missing teeth. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Implants are typically made from materials with excellent biocompatibility, such as titanium and titanium alloys. During dental implant surgery, the dentist implants the implant into the alveolar bone at the site of the missing tooth. The shape of the implant is designed according to the anatomical structure of the alveolar bone, and its surface is specially treated—for example, through sandblasting or acid etching—to enable the implant to bond more effectively with the bone tissue. This osseointegration is key to the success of the implant and provides stable retention for it. As the bone tissue grows on the surface of the implant, the implant gradually becomes part of the alveolar bone, just like a natural tooth root. Afterwards, components such as an abutment and crown are installed onto the implant, restoring the appearance and function of the tooth.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important in daily life. Suitable mouthwash should be used to keep the mouth clean. After the wound has healed, correct brushing techniques should be used, brushing teeth at least twice daily, combined with flossing, to avoid accumulation of food debris around the implant and prevent the occurrence of peri-implantitis.

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What should I do if my lower teeth are missing and the upper teeth are growing downward?

In general, after the loss of lower teeth, the main treatment methods for over-eruption of upper teeth include orthodontic correction, porcelain-fused-to-metal crown restoration, dental implant restoration, removable denture restoration, and tooth contouring. Additionally, during treatment, patients should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth in the morning and evening, rinsing mouth after meals, avoiding chewing hard foods with the elongated upper teeth, and preventing tooth damage.

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Can teeth lost due to periodontitis be replaced with dental implants?

In general, whether a tooth lost due to periodontitis can be replaced with dental implant surgery requires a comprehensive evaluation based on the patient's specific oral health condition. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for a thorough examination by a professional dentist. After surgery, patients must strictly follow medical advice, maintain good oral hygiene, avoid eating hard foods, and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor the status of the implant. If redness or swelling occurs.

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How long can dental implants last for patients with periodontitis?

If periodontitis patients have undergone treatment to eliminate periodontal inflammation and control alveolar bone resorption prior to dental implantation, and if they receive regular postoperative check-ups and maintenance, the integration of the implant with the alveolar bone can remain stable, allowing the implant lifespan to approach that of healthy individuals. However, if periodontitis is not adequately controlled before surgery or if inflammation recurs after surgery, it may accelerate alveolar bone resorption, leading to implant loosening and a shortened functional lifespan.

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Can patients with periodontitis get dental implants after losing teeth?

If periodontitis is in the active stage, with problems such as redness, swelling, bleeding of the gums, and ongoing alveolar bone resorption, dental implantation cannot be performed directly. Initial treatment should include scaling and root planing to remove dental plaque and calculus and control inflammation. After the condition has stabilized for 3–6 months and a doctor confirms healthy periodontal tissues upon examination, the feasibility of dental implantation can then be evaluated.