Implantology in Phuket

What is Implantology?

Implantology is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the planning, placement, and maintenance of dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums to serve as artificial tooth roots, providing a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth.

Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are permanent solutions that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They're designed to fuse with your jawbone, making them a long-lasting and comfortable option for tooth replacement.

Types of Dental Implants

• Endosteal Implants: The most common type, these implants are placed directly into the jawbone and typically have a screw-like or cylindrical shape.
• Subperiosteal Implants: Placed under the gum but on or above the jawbone, these are used for patients who don't have enough healthy jawbone and cannot or do not want to undergo bone augmentation.
• All-on-4 or All-on-6: A technique that uses four to six implants to support a full arch of teeth, allowing for immediate loading of teeth in many cases.
• Mini Implants: Smaller than traditional implants, these are used primarily to stabilize lower dentures or for patients with limited bone volume.
• Zygomatic Implants: Specialized implants that anchor in the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone, used when there is significant bone loss in the upper jaw.

The Dental Implant Process

Getting dental implants is a multi-step process that typically involves:

1. Initial Consultation: Comprehensive examination, X-rays, and treatment planning.
2. Preparatory Procedures: May include tooth extractions, bone grafting, or sinus lifts if necessary.
3. Implant Placement: Surgical insertion of the implant posts into the jawbone.
4. Healing Period: Typically 3-6 months for osseointegration (the process where the implant fuses with the bone).
5. Abutment Placement: Attachment of connectors to the implants that will hold the new teeth.
6. Crown Placement: Custom-made crowns or prosthetics are attached to the abutments.
7. Follow-up Care: Regular check-ups to ensure the implants are functioning properly.

The entire process usually takes several months to complete, but the result is a permanent, natural-looking solution that can last a lifetime with proper care.