What are artificial dental implants? Artificial dental implants are artificial roots made of titanium metal, which are surgically implanted into the bone of the dental bed. Because of its comfort, beauty, stability and longevity, it is known as the “third set of human teeth” that is closest to natural teeth. What are the advantages of dental implants? Artificial dental implants have many advantages over traditional dentures: (1) they are the closest to natural teeth and help prevent the resorption of alveolar bone; (2) their chewing function is much better than many traditional dentures; (3) they have strong retention and stability and can be rooted in the patient’s mouth like real teeth; (4) they do not need to wear the normal teeth around the missing area; (5) they do not require the necessary abutments for removable dentures. (5) The necessary abutments and rings for removable dentures are not required, and there is no dullness of taste and discomfort caused by large plastic abutments; (6) Small size, no exposed metal, aesthetics, and good for maintaining oral hygiene. What are the discomforts during implant surgery? Modern anesthesia techniques and good post-operative care can minimize patient discomfort, which is basically less uncomfortable during implant placement than during tooth extraction. The mouth heals in about 10 days after the surgery. During the healing period, care needs to be taken to clean the wound area and avoid chewing hard objects. Are dental implants expensive? The cost of dental implants depends on the number of dental implants and the type of implant as well as the type of restoration above the implant. For example, the cost of a single dental implant is approximately the same as a fixed restoration bridge (but a fixed restoration bridge requires the grinding of adjacent healthy teeth to obtain retention, whereas a dental implant does not). Of course, if bone grafting or other treatments are required, the cost is more. As for the exact cost, it varies from region to region and detailed pricing can be obtained from your local dental implantologist. Am I a good candidate for implant restoration? Usually, implant restorations can be considered for anyone who can undergo a conventional extraction. Patients with specific chronic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, blood disorders, osteoporosis, and patients requiring radiation therapy after oral cancer surgery are not suitable for immediate implant restorations. In addition, patients who cannot maintain good oral hygiene conditions such as smoking and alcohol abuse are also not suitable. It should be noted, however, that implant dentures are not age-restricted, so that many elderly patients who suffer from missing teeth can finally share the benefits of this successful technology. In conclusion, your dentist will have to conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical condition before he can develop a treatment plan that is suitable for you. How do I maintain my artificial dental implants after implementation? Regular maintenance is required. Just like buying a car, you need to have your dentist do maintenance work regularly. Generally speaking, maintenance of the tissues around the dental implants should be done about once every three to six months, and the regular home maintenance work needs to be maintained in the same way as periodontal tissues, and the maintenance tools include soft-bristled toothbrushes, normal dental floss, coarse dental floss, interdental brushes, and electric toothbrushes with flat or cone-shaped bristles can be used if necessary. The purpose is to keep the tissues around the dental implants clean and healthy.