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What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a metallic screw that is inserted into the jaw bone by a dental surgeon, and it serves as a replacement root for an artificial tooth. Dental implants have recently become a popular choice as a tooth replacement option among patients, owing to their excellent durability, lifelike appearance and lifelong durability.
Now you might wonder “There are millions of dentists practising implant dentistry in Singapore. Why should I choose Dental Designs Clinic? And do dental implants feel natural, anyway?"
The reason is simple. In addition to the our experienced dentists, we use advanced computer-guided implant surgical techniques. Therefore, the implants placed by our dentists have a higher dental implant success rate, superior functionality and excellent aesthetics that looks and feels natural.
Why are dental implants the recommended tooth replacement option?
Perhaps the most critical reason why dental implants are superior to other tooth replacement options is their unique capability to promote bone formation and create intimate contact with the surrounding teeth and jaw bone. This property, known as osseointegration, allows any prosthesis which is attached to the implant for tooth replacement to remain firmly stable and fully functional inside the jaw.
Since the first use of Titanium-based dental implants as a tooth replacement option in the 1960s, there have been significant improvements to the implant shape design and surface morphology. Nowadays, cylindrical implants with improved thread designs have significantly enhanced the osseointegration potential and reduced dental implant risk of failure. However, the most crucial achievement in implant dentistry can be attributed to the introduction of 3D-imaging and computer-guided surgical implant placement.
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What is computer guided implant surgery?
Currently, most of dentists throughout the world are placing implants by using a technique known as the “freehand” surgical technique. This means that they will look at the x-ray images and models of your teeth and bones, and then decide the location and angulation of the implant site.
However, during the surgery, the implant is placed based on 'feel' freehand. As can be imagined, this technique is highly dependent on the surgeon's experience. However, even experienced surgeons will encounter complications or poor placement results as every individual's jaw bone is different.
So, there are higher chances of implant placement at a non-ideal angle or position in the jaw. The jaw nerve can also be injured. This can lead to an increased risk of implant loosening, infection, nerve damage, and even implant failure1.
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We prioritise safety and predictability in our treatments in order to minimise the risk of treatment failure and improve healing outcomes. That is why we perform computer-guided implant surgery which allows us to visualise and plan each step of your dental implant treatment, right from the imaging and diagnosis to implant insertion.
This technology helps us in precisely determining the best location and angulation for inserting the implant. At Dental Designs Clinic, we use the following equipment and technology to maximise the success of teeth we replace with dental implants:
1. 3D X-ray/ Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
We use the 3D imaging technology to visualise a 3D image of your jaw bone shape where the implant needs to be inserted. This technology also helps us in choosing the right size, shape and type of dental implant for replacing your teeth and to minimise dental implant risk for an implant failure or infection.
2. Intra-oral Scanners
At Dental Designs Clinic, we understand that using physical impression materials for making impressions during implant preparation is quite uncomfortable and inconvenient for the patient. Also, there are very high chances of error when impression materials are used as they can undergo dimensional changes and human error in processing.
Keeping this in view, we use intra-oral scanners to make digital impressions of your teeth. These digital impressions are not only highly accurate, but we also feed these images into special software which syncs it with the 3D CBCT x-rays, which helps us in making a detailed plan for implant insertion and in preparation of the prosthesis which will be used for replacing the natural teeth.
3. 3D Printing Technology
Our 3D printers allow us to utilise the digital impression of your teeth in preparing an accurate, precisely fitting dental implant stent to be used during the implant surgery that fully guides the position of the implant during implant surgery.
Why is computer-guided implant surgery better than conventional implant insertion?
Now, you might be wondering why guided dental implants are better. Here are a few reasons:
| Conventional Implants | Computer Guided Implants | |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Relies on dentist's skill and experience for implant placement, increasing potential for human error. |
3D printing creates surgical guides for exact placement, minimising human error in placement. |
| Durability | Prostheses fabricated conventionally may have variability in quality, creating potential for errors during laboratory fabrication. | Prostheses fabricated with computer-aided technology are stronger and more consistent in quality, reducing errors. |
| Dental Implant Risk |
Higher risk of complications due to potential placement inaccuracies. Longer healing period required post-surgery. |
Minimises risk of complications and implant failure. Shorter healing period due to accurate placement and reduced trauma. |
| Aesthetics | Outcome may vary; aesthetics depend on dentist's expertise and materials used. | Achieves natural appearance blending perfectly with natural teeth. |
| Speed of Results | Longer process involving multiple appointments for planning, placement, and adjustments. | Offers potential for same-day implant placement and rapid smile makeover capabilities, therefore reducing treatment time and number of appointments required. |
So, how long do dental implants last?
When we choose to have an implant in our body, we want it to last a long time. Studies2 have shown that implants made of commercially pure titanium achieve success rates exceeding 90% over 10 years of follow up.
With computer guided implant surgery, the implants are placed precisely in the jaw bone hence they are shown to achieve better success. Many patients can expect their implants to last a lifetime if they adhere to recommended care guidelines and receive regular dental check-ups.
Conclusion
Dental implants represent a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. With ongoing advancements in technology and materials, combined with diligent care and maintenance, implants can typically last 10 years or longer, often providing a lifelong solution.
Read more on dental implants here.
References
- Le Guéhennec L, Soueidan A, Layrolle P, Amouriq Y. Surface treatments of titanium dental implants for rapid osseointegration. Dent Mater. 2007 Jul;23(7):844-54. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2006.06.025. Epub 2006 Aug 14. PMID: 16904738.
- Albrektsson T, Jansson T, Lekholm U. Osseointegrated dental implants. Dent Clin North Am. 1986 Jan;30(1):151-74. PMID: 3514290.
- Gaviria L, Salcido JP, Guda T, Ong JL. Current trends in dental implants. J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2014 Apr;40(2):50-60. doi: 10.5125/jkaoms.2014.40.2.50. Epub 2014 Apr 28. PMID: 24868501; PMCID: PMC4028797.