When several teeth are missing in a row, dental implants offer a stable, long-term solution to restore both the function and appearance of your smile. There are different ways to approach treatment, depending on your oral health and preference.
In some cases, it's possible to place a separate implant for each missing tooth. This approach provides the most natural, stable solution, as each implant acts as an independent tooth root. However, this requires enough bone density in the jaw and enough space between the neighbouring teeth to be able to hold 3 seperate implants.
Another option is placing two implants at either end of the missing teeth and using them to support a dental bridge that replaces the middle teeth. This solution is more affordable than placing individual implants. It's often ideal for replacing several adjacent teeth while maintaining a secure, permanent fit.
For patients seeking a more affordable or less invasive option, a removable partial denture can be used. This treatment consists of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored base, which can be removed for cleaning. While it’s less stable and durable than implants, a removable partial denture is a good short-term solution or for patients who may not be candidates for implants due to bone loss. Dental implants can be a game-changer for restoring missing teeth, providing long-term benefits like improved bite, speech, and overall appearance. If you're considering replacing multiple missing teeth, speak with your dentist to explore the options that best suit your needs and lifestyle.
Discover the step-by-step process of dental implants at SmileBox Dental Clinic. From the initial consultation and precise implant placement to the final restoration, our expert team ensures a seamless, pain-free experience. Using advanced technology and high-quality materials, we restore missing teeth with long-lasting, natural-looking dental implants. Watch the full video to see how we transform smiles with permanent tooth replacements designed for optimal function and aesthetics.
With all the information, our doctors can plan when to place the implant. There are 4 methods of placing an implant, based on the timing of the procedure:
When does this happen?
When does this happen?
When does this happen?
When does this happen?
Implant is placed along with healing abutment.
A healing abutment is a small, screw-like cap that is placed on top of your dental implant after it is inserted into your jawbone. Its main purpose is to help your gums heal and shape properly around the implant while preparing the area for your future crown (the artificial tooth).
Think of it as a temporary cover that ensures everything heals the right way. The abutment protrudes through the gum, eliminating the need for a second surgery to expose the implant.
Healing typically takes 6-12 weeks depending on bone/gum health and the primary stability of the implant i.e. how tight the implant locks on to surrounding bone.
After healing, the healing abutment is removed and impressions or scans are taken for the crown.
First Stage Surgery:
Implant and cover screw is placed, and the gums are closed completely over the implant.
This approach is used:
After 3-6 months, a second surgery is done to expose the implant
Second Stage Surgery:
Healing typically takes 2-8 weeks depending on tissue health and healing progress.
Here’s a table summarizing when a single-stage surgery or a two-stage surgery is typically recommended:
| Criteria | Single-Stage Surgery | Two-Stage Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Density | Sufficient bone density to support the implant | Insufficient bone density (may require bone grafting) |
| Gum Health | Healthy gums with no infections or severe recession | May require healing time for gums if compromised |
| Implant Placement | Implant and abutment placed in one visit | Implant placed first, abutment placed after healing |
| Healing Time | Faster recovery due to fewer procedures | Longer recovery due to staged process, typically 3-6 months between stages |
| Aesthetic Concerns | Suitable for visible areas, where immediate results are desired | Best for areas where a temporary restoration is preferred |
| Risk of Complications | Lower risk of complications due to fewer surgeries | Slightly higher due to the additional procedure |
| Suitability for Immediate Loading | Can support immediate loading (temporary crown) | Usually requires healing before loading |
| Additional Procedures During Second Stage | Not applicable | Evaluation for possible bone grafting or soft tissue augmentation, can affect the overall implant timeline if needed |
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation and implant planning package, which includes:
intra-oral 5D scan
CBCT scan
Once we have confirmed that you are a viable canditate for implants and implants are a suitable option to restore your missing teeth, we start by planning the final position of the crown using a digital approach known as digital wax-up. When designing the implant crown, we evaluate the adjacent teeth and the bite (opposing teeth) to determine the exact size and dimensions of the crown. The crown must also be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Once the crown position is finalized, the implant placement is meticulously planned in 3D considering the adjacent teeth, available bone and important anatomical structures like the sinus or IAN nerve. The final implant position, depth and size is finalized for optimal stability and crown support.
Implant size (diameter and length) depends on different implant systems. (Click here to explore the implant systems available at our clinic.)
Based on the detailed 3D planning, a surgical guide is created to assist in the implant procedure. A surgical guide is a custom-made template that:
Surgical guide cost = 3,000 THB
Bone grafting may be necessary if there is insufficient bone to support the implant. This can be performed:
Sinus lifting is required when the upper jaw's bone near the sinuses is too thin for implant placement. The procedure involves lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone graft material.
Once your dental implants have successfully fused with the jawbone—a process known as osseointegration—you’re ready for the next phase: fabricating and attaching the dental crown (artificial tooth). This stage, referred to as the prosthetic phase, involves customizing your new teeth to provide a natural look, feel, and function.
This process is carried out by a prosthodontist or a restorative dentist and typically includes the following steps:
1.Taking Precise Impressions or scans of the implants, surrounding
natural
teeth, and gums
2.Custom fabrication of the crowns. Every detail, from color to shape, is
carefully
matched to your
natural teeth for seamless results.
3.The artificial teeth are placed over the implants for a trial fitting. During
this
step,
adjustments
are made to ensure proper size, color, and bite. In some cases, multiple visits
may be
needed to
achieve perfection.
4.Once you’re happy with the fit and appearance, the new teeth are permanently
attached
to the
implant.
5.Final Placement:
There are two primary ways to secure your dental crowns:
✔︎Crown has a “hole” on the top to allow for screw to pass through to
the
implant
✔︎Abutment + Crown (one piece) secured to implant with a screw
✔︎Screw access Hole is sealed with tooth-colored filling
material
✔︎Crown is retrievable - means it can be removed by the dentist for
maintenance
✔︎ No cement required
✔︎ Crown may chip near access hole (very low incidence)
✔︎ Cosmetic appearance may not be as ideal (usually not visible)
✔︎Abutment is secured to implant with a screw
✔︎Crown is then secured to abutment with cement (dental glue)
✔︎Crown is not retrievable / cannot be removed after cementation
✔︎Better esthetics
✔︎Excess cement under the gums during the cementation process can
cause
inflammation and
bone loss
Each method has its unique benefits, and your dentist will guide you in choosing the one that best suits your needs. If you’re considering dental implants or have questions about the process, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Achieve a confident smile with our personalized implant solutions!
Once your new teeth are placed, you should be able to eat, talk, and smile right away without any problems. Your dentist might ask you to come back for a follow-up appointment to re-tighten the screw, to close the screw access hole or to do a final check.
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help!
There are two primary ways to secure your dental crowns:
✔︎Crown has a “hole” on the top to allow for screw to pass through to
the
implant
✔︎Abutment + Crown (one piece) secured to implant with a screw
✔︎Screw access Hole is sealed with tooth-colored filling
material
✔︎Crown is retrievable - means it can be removed by the dentist for
maintenance
✔︎ No cement required
✔︎ Crown may chip near access hole (very low incidence)
✔︎ Cosmetic appearance may not be as ideal (usually not visible)
✔︎Abutment is secured to implant with a screw
✔︎Crown is then secured to abutment with cement (dental glue)
✔︎Crown is not retrievable / cannot be removed after cementation
✔︎Better esthetics
✔︎Excess cement under the gums during the cementation process can
cause
inflammation and bone loss
Each method has its unique benefits, and your dentist will guide you in choosing the one that best suits your needs. If you’re considering dental implants or have questions about the process, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Achieve a confident smile with our personalized implant solutions!
Once your new teeth are placed, you should be able to eat, talk, and smile right away without any problems. Your dentist might ask you to come back for a follow-up appointment to re-tighten the screw, to close the screw access hole or to do a final check.
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help!
If you're considering alternatives to a dental implant for replacing a missing tooth, there are several options to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences.
This process is carried out by a prosthodontist or a restorative dentist and typically includes the following steps:
A fixed dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth supported by adjacent natural teeth. It is permanently cemented into place and does not require surgery. However, if any part fails or requires repair, the dentist will have to remove the entire bridge and make a new one. Healthy neighbouring teeth also require tooth preparation and alteration to support the bridge.
If the tooth can still be saved, a root canal is a treatment can be done This procedure removes the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth and seals it to prevent further decay. After a root canal, the tooth is usually restored with a crown for strength and protection. This option is ideal when the tooth’s structure is intact but the pulp is compromised.
Bone Level / Roxolid + SLA
✔️ Implant
✔️ Cover screw / Healing abutment
✔️ Zirconia crown
เพิ่ม SLA ใช้งาน: 10,000 THB
Lifetime warranty
Acqua (Hydrophilic Surface)
✔️ Implant
✔️ Cover screw / Healing abutment
✔️ Zirconia crown
Lifetime warranty
Blue Diamond + SLA
✔️ Implant
✔️ Cover screw / Healing abutment
✔️ Zirconia crown
เพิ่ม SLA ใช้งาน: 10,000 THB
Lifetime warranty
All-on-6, Immediate loading
✔️ 1 Acrylic Denture
✔️ 1 Zirconia Denture
(2nd trip, after 3-6 months)
Acrylic Denture only 390,000 THB (from
420,000THB)
All-on-4, Immediate loading
✔️ 1 Acrylic Denture
✔️ 1 Zirconia Denture
(2nd trip, after 3-6 months)
Acrylic Denture only 390,000 THB (from
420,000THB)
Implant retained denture
✔️ 2 Implants + 2 Locators
✔️ 1 Acrylic overdenture
*2 trips (4-6 months apart)
Addt'l implant + locator: 20,000 THB
Metal framework: 40,000 THB
