Dental implants are known as the “third set of teeth” after the milk teeth and permanent teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium screws, which have a rough or smooth surface. They are divided into many grades of titanium, 1 to 5, but usually grades 1 to 4 are used, and these artificial teeth are stronger than dentures and bridges. Dentures and bridgework are sometimes used to anchor teeth. Dental implants can achieve restorative results that are very similar to the function, structure and aesthetic results of natural teeth and have become the restoration of choice for an increasing number of patients with missing teeth. Dental implants consist of two parts: the lower supporting implant and the upper dental restoration. The implant is made of artificial materials (e.g. metal, ceramic, etc.) and is surgically implanted in the upper and lower jaws to obtain a firm retention of the bone tissue, which is connected to the upper restoration by special devices and methods. What are the advantages of dental implants? Dental implants are a type of restorative dentistry procedure that allows for the restoration of whole and partially missing teeth. There are two important things about dental implants: first, the skill of the dentist to “plant” the tooth firmly in the missing area. The second is that the replacement tooth should be “real”, in terms of shape, appearance, color and durability, and look similar to other real teeth. Dental implants as a new restorative technology, especially its quality of not damaging healthy neighboring teeth, can solve the problems that cannot be solved by traditional restoration, thus improving our quality of life, attracting more people to choose dental implants. The following is a question and answer session between Peng Ai dental experts and the consultants to help you better understand dental implants. 1. What is dental implant? Some people think that dental implants are like planting crops, where the seeds of the teeth are planted in the dental bed and the new teeth can grow out after a period of time. This is a misconception. Dental implants are the most scientific method of restoring missing teeth. An artificial tooth root is implanted into the alveolar bone of the missing tooth, and after a period of healing, a porcelain tooth is placed on the root. It is beautiful, realistic, long-lasting, and almost identical to your natural teeth, which cannot be seen by laymen. 2. Is it painful during the surgery? Does it hurt afterwards? Dental implants are anesthetized and done on a painless and minimally invasive basis, and there is no pain afterwards, as long as you strictly follow the doctor’s instructions after the surgery. 3. Can everyone have dental implants? Generally, all healthy people can have implants, but the doctor will have to examine each patient according to his or her specific situation. 4. What is the preparation before implantation? Before the patient receives the implant surgery, the doctor should understand his general health condition and do some oral examination, such as taking X-rays to check the jawbone, taking a study model, and making a restoration plan, etc. If there is no abnormality after careful examination, dental implants can be placed. 5. What should I pay attention to after the dental implant surgery? Although oral implant surgery is not a major surgery, post-operative care is also very important, otherwise the wound infection will lead to the failure of the implant surgery. The following issues should be noted after the dental implant surgery: (1) The patient should eat a semi- or full-liquid diet on the day after the surgery. (2) No brushing or rinsing for 48 hours after surgery to avoid irritation of the wound. (3) Use mouthwash several times a day to avoid infection. (4) Apply cold compresses 48 hours after implantation and hot compresses after 48 hours. (5) Use antibiotics to reduce inflammation according to the situation, and pay attention to rest and strengthen nutrition.