Dental / Tooth Implant Procedure
A dental implant is a method to replace missing teeth that has become more and more popular over the years. It is an artificial tooth root that involves a metal screw, which is seated within your jawbone replacing the root of your missing tooth. One would say that tooth implants are the closest thing to having your real tooth back again!
A Quick Overview of Dental Implants
The biggest advantage of a dental implant HK procedure is that it can replace teeth without making any adjustments or cutting into your other healthy teeth. For this reason, many patients choose to go down the route of a dental implant in Hong Kong rather than a bridge, if they are only missing a tooth in the front.
Other situations that would grant the placement of a tooth implant is when you have multiple missing teeth and would prefer to have a fixed and longer lasting solution. Unlike removable dentures, tooth implant-supported bridges are fixed in the mouth and do not involve alterations to your natural teeth.
A tooth implant in HK can help to maintain good biting forces and also prevents your teeth from shifting into the leftover space. A tooth implant in Hong Kong can be done at our clinic, and will give you your confident smile back. You will be able to speak normally again and chew your favourite foods as though you never lost a tooth, after the dental implant HK procedure!
Furthermore, a tooth implant HK procedure is designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. There is a large range of materials used in the world of dental implants, but the most common type would be the titanium alloy tooth implant. These dental implants in Hong Kong typically last anywhere from 20-30 years, or even a lifetime, with proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
The 4 Advantages of Dental Implant HK Procedures
Dental implants in Hong Kong have a plethora of benefits when it comes to needing to replace a missing tooth. Let’s go through them one by one!
- Tooth implants in Hong Kong are the most durable and provide the best functionality out of all the options for replacing a missing tooth. They can last a lifetime if you give the dental implant proper care and maintain good oral hygiene.
- By getting a tooth implant in HK, you are able to restore your original chewing ability and improve speech clarity. Compared to a removable prosthesis, a dental implant would feel and look the most like your own natural tooth.
- As mentioned above, another advantage of getting a tooth implant is that unlike a traditional bridge, your surrounding teeth do not need to be drilled or prepared, leaving them nice and healthy and without damage.
- Last but not least, dental implants help to fill in the gap and restore your bite where if left alone, could cause the gaps to be closed over by your surrounding teeth. A tooth implant helps prevent this movement that could potentially lead to changes in your jaw shape and teeth position.
Different Stages in Tooth Implant Hong Kong Procedure
1. A thorough examination:
Before the patient is deemed suitable for a tooth implant, the first step is to perform an investigation via x-rays and CT scanning to determine the best dental implant position, as well as the angulation or design to place the tooth implant. With this information, we can then be able to book you in for a dental implant HK surgery.
2. Tooth extraction:
If your tooth is deemed unsavable, it needs to be removed prior to placement of the dental implant in Hong Kong. After removal of the tooth, a period of healing is given to allow for bone recovery in the jawbone. Once the bone has healed, typically taking 3-6 months, then you are ready to come back for surgery, and put in the titanium tooth implant post.3. Surgery & tooth implant placement:
To place the tooth implant in HK, we will numb your jaw and make an incision into the gums, then raise a gum flap to reveal the underlying healthy jawbone. With the predetermined angulation and x-ray to use as a guide throughout the tooth implant Hong Kong procedure, we can then carefully drill a hole that is big enough to place the titanium tooth implant, and then close the area with sutures.4. Fitting of replacement tooth:
This may be done after another 3-6 months waiting for the dental implant to fully integrate into the bone. The missing tooth is now ready to be replaced by a new custom-made false tooth implant in HK, which will look and feel similar to your natural teeth.5. Aftercare:
During and after the dental implant Hong Kong surgery, we will give you a set of aftercare instructions and we ask that you continue to maintain good oral hygiene practices. We will also schedule a review appointment to make sure that the tooth implant is secure in place and the surrounding gum tissue is healthy. Additional x-rays may be taken to confirm this after the tooth implant Hong Kong procedure.
Am I Eligible for Dental Implant Hong Kong
Not everyone is suitable for tooth implants, before a dental implant is considered, we would offer you a complete treatment plan at the oral examination and consultation appointment. From there, we will arrange for appropriate x-rays and CT scans of your mouth and jawbone to ensure that there is sufficient healthy bone to retain the tooth implant. By combining dental impressions, imaging and CT scans, we can also locate the best position for your new dental implants, and shy away from important structures such as your nerves and maxillary sinus.
The decision on what kind of tooth implant screw, the positioning of the dental implant screw, as well as the sort of crown to be placed will also be decided prior to tooth implant HK placement.
When to consider a tooth implant?
- You have healthy gums and teeth.
- Your gums and teeth have been restored to health your previous specialist or us
- Your medical condition (if any) is well controlled with or without medication
- Your x-rays show that you have a healthy jawbone, and have enough bone to hold the dental implant
- You do not smoke
If you are considering dental implants in Hong Kong, contact us through our website or phone number for an initial examination and consultation appointment.
Some Tooth Implant HK Options
1. Single & multiple tooth implants:
Tooth implant in Hong Kong can be a treatment option for replacement of a single tooth or multiple missing teeth. When deciding which dental implant HK option is the best for you, we will look at how many teeth are missing, where they are missing and what your treatment goals are.
The single dental implant in Hong Kong is useful when one tooth is missing, and when you would like to preserve the health of the teeth next to the gap. Multiple tooth implants in Hong Kong would be a better option if you have several teeth missing in your arch, and when you would like to have a more comfortable and natural way to replace your teeth. Both options are similar by which the dental implants can offer comfort, as well as natural results.
2. Dental implant supported bridge:
This is a dental implant HK surgery option when you have multiple missing teeth in a row. They are somewhat a crossover between your traditional single tooth implant and traditional bridge. Instead of preparing your tooth to place false teeth over the top, it is set on top of the surgically prepared dental implants.
With this option, the tooth implants in HK are placed first (most often x2 tooth implants are needed) and after a period of healing, the “false teeth” can be designed and made to fit over the top. The dental implant is then secured in place with screws and you will be able to eat and chew with normal functionality without being concerned about stability or being afraid that the teeth can come loose. On average the treatment time will be the same as a single tooth implant in Hong Kong. If a bone graft or bone augmentation is needed, then treatment time may be longer.
3. Tooth implant retained denture:
Also known as “clip-ons”, “all-on-4” and “all-on-6” are tooth implant retained dentures consisting of a crossover between tooth implants and an acrylic denture. This dental implant HK treatment option is recommended to those who are missing all their teeth in the upper or lower arch, and for those who would like to have a more secure and stable alternative to a normal denture.
Compared with the traditional dentures, this option provides a snug arrangement, depending on the condition of your jawbone, 2 to 4 dental implants in HK are placed in the arch and time is given for healing. After waiting 6-8 months after the tooth implant Hong Kong surgery, a denture that is made to fit over the top of the dental implants is made in the laboratory. A period of adjustment is expected but will be significantly less than the traditional denture option, and you will be able to eat anything you want without having to be afraid that it will fall out. Review appointments will be scheduled after fitment.
If you feel like traditional dentures are not for you, then consider tooth implant retained ones, as these tooth implants in HK are a great option for those who have experienced extensive bone loss after losing their teeth and would still like to have their teeth replaced.
“One Stage” vs. “Two Stage” System Dental Implants
Two-Stage Tooth Implants:
The two-stage tooth implant HK system involves an initial surgery where the dental implant is placed in the bone. Then, the dental implant is left within the bone for a long period of time, usually at least 3-6 months to allow for sufficient healing, bonding between the bond and tooth implant (also known as osseointegration) as well as healing of the gums on top of the dental implant.
After the healing is complete, the second stage is performed in which we will do surgery to reveal the tooth implant for clear access to it and place a healing cap over it. Another period of healing for the gums is needed after this. Once the gums have healed (usually takes 1-2 weeks), then we can plan for the replacement of the tooth with a custom-made crown. Therefore, for a two-stage dental implant in HK, the expected overall time for this to be complete is roughly a little over 6 months. However, depending on the amount of bone lost or if needing bone augmentation surgery, the tooth implant Hong Kong procedure may take longer.
One-Stage Dental Implants:
The one stage tooth implant system is a newer form of placement, which allows for a shorter time required to get your dental implant in HK. In one stage system or non-submerged dental implant in Hong Kong, the tooth implant is placed along with the healing cap in the same appointment. This means that there is no need to wait 3-6 months to go through a second surgical appointment.
The dental implant is placed into the extraction socket either immediately or within a few weeks of the tooth extraction. The main benefit of choosing this option, other than the fact that you don’t need to wait half a year for the tooth implant in HK, is that it allows for better preservation of the gum tissues and bone, ultimately leading to help maintain a more aesthetically pleasing appearance once the false tooth is placed. A dental implant in HK that is placed immediately can also have the fake tooth inserted within the same surgical appointment. This means that you will only need to make one visit and can leave with the tooth in place.
Not all patients are suitable for this tooth implant Hong Kong option though, and it solely depends on your condition and on the specialist’s judgement. Some factors that affect your eligibility for an immediately placed dental implant in Hong Kong may include your medical condition, the existing bone condition, reason for replacement, and whether you have any pre-existing diseases.
Reading about tooth implant procedures can be confusing at times, but do not worry, we will base the decision for which dental implant system to use based on the condition of your jaw bone and take your needs and requirements into consideration. Whether it be a one-stage or two-stage dental implant HK procedure, the first thing we would need to do is have a proper diagnosis and investigation of the tooth to be replaced or extraction socket. Feel free to ask us more about each option for getting a tooth implant in Hong Kong at the next appointment.
Immediate Dental Implant HK Procedure
A proper diagnosis and investigation of the tooth to be replaced is a must to determine and ensure a good success rate of the dental implant in HK.
Investigation prior to tooth implant HK procedure can be done with x-rays (periapical radiographs, OPG’s and cone beam CT scans) and a thorough examination of the surrounding teeth and gums. Altogether, these will help to give us a better idea of whether or not an immediate dental implant is suitable for you.
In addition to these considerations, getting an immediate dental implant in Hong Kong means that we will need to look into other things, such as why the tooth was removed, your current medical condition and your aesthetic goals.
Indications for having an immediate tooth implant in Hong Kong include losing the tooth due to trauma or an accident with little to no effect on the bone, tooth loss due to heavy decay without bone loss, inability to complete root canal treatment, periodontal bone loss without purulent exudate, having healthy gum tissue for good recovery post-surgery and post dental implant placement.
On the other hand, reasons for not having an immediate dental implant in Hong Kong include the presence of pus and exudate at the time of extracting your tooth, presence of inflammatory tissue (i.e. granulation tissue) at time of extraction, insufficient bone structure after tooth extraction, proximity of tooth implant area to the nerves and other important anatomical structures like the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity.
What to Expect After a Tooth Implant Hong Kong Surgery
After the dental implant Hong Kong procedure, you may have some bruising, pain, swelling in the gums and face, bleeding from the gums and difficulty eating or chewing. It is advised to eat a soft food diet for a few days to help with healing. Some soft foods you can have after a tooth implant include yogurt, soft bread, scrambled eggs with avocado, warm soup, warm congee with ground chicken or pork, soft-cooked vegetables or mashed potatoes with gravy. Make sure to stay hydrated after a dental implant in HK, as this would definitely help with the healing process!
After the surgery for your tooth implant in Hong Kong, we may use sutures that can dissolve to help with your recovery. After 7-14 days, a review appointment for your dental implant will be scheduled. Even after complete healing of your gums, it is ideal to schedule a visit with us to review your tooth implant in HK every 6 months for checkup, as well as cleansing around the dental implant.
Learn More About Tooth / Dental Implant Surgery – FAQs:
1. How long do tooth implants in HK typically last for?
2. How do I better maintain my tooth implant in Hong Kong?
3. What do I do if my tooth implant is moving?
There are various reasons as to why a tooth implant can move, we suggest that you book an appointment for a check up to examine the tooth implant in HK by a specialist.
It is important to understand that most dental implants in HK nowadays are separated into 2-3 different parts and the most common part that comes loose is the crown. Oftentimes the screws become loose over time and can be simply screwed back into place with special tools.
Depending on the reason for movement, we may recommend different treatment options. If it is due to the dental implant coming loose or falling off, then recementing or re-screwing it may be sufficient. If it is damaged then a replacement can be made to fit over the tooth implant in Hong Kong.
If the movement is due to tooth implant failure, then the dental implant in HK must be removed to prevent further damage or harm to the surrounding bone and teeth.
4. What are the signs of tooth implant failure?
5. How do I keep my tooth implant in HK healthier?
Maintaining good oral hygiene on a daily basis is the key to having healthy teeth and healthy dental implants in HK. By brushing gently with a soft bristled toothbrush 2 times a day, this helps to remove bacteria and plaque from the area, and keeps disease far away from your tooth implant in Hong Kong.
It is recommended to invest in a set of interdental brushes that can be used wherever you go, otherwise you can consider getting a water flosser which makes cleaning in hard-to-reach areas easier. Please also be reminded that regular cleans and check-up appointments are needed every 6 months to ensure the health of the tooth implant in Hong Kong.
6. How much does a dental implant in Hong Kong usually cost?
7. What is the minimum age for a dental implant in Hong Kong?
8. I am afraid of pain, is the dental implant HK procedure painful?
9. Can I have a tooth implant in HK if I smoke?
10. Why should I have dental implants in Hong Kong placed at Dr. David W.K. Tong’s?
11. What happens when a missing tooth is not replaced during tooth implant HK surgery?
Removing a tooth without replacement by a dental implant, bridge or denture can lead to complications such as gum disease, difficulty chewing, drifting of teeth into the space, bite alignment issues, stress placed on other teeth (tooth wear), stress on the jaw, bone loss in the jaw and premature ageing due to weakened facial structures.
Replacing the space and missing tooth would be the healthiest option instead of leaving it unattended. Based on your oral condition, Dr. Tong would be able to advise you on the most suitable choice for you.
12. What is the best option for replacing a missing tooth?
There are 3 main options for replacing a missing tooth/teeth:
- Dental Implant (fixed in the mouth)
- Bridges (fixed in the mouth)
- Removable Dentures
Although the last option is probably the most wallet friendly option, they may be harder to adjust to and may require multiple adjustments down the track. Replacement of a single missing tooth would benefit most from a single tooth implant rather than the last option, as it is less bulky and much more comfortable