In a historic medical achievement, the dental team at Gyalze County People's Hospital recently conducted the first dental implant surgery in the snowy plateau region of Xizang autonomous region.

The procedure was led by Chang Zhongfu, deputy chief physician and leader of the ninth Shanghai Pudong New Area medical aid team in Xizang, marking a breakthrough in oral healthcare for high-altitude areas.

Dental implant surgeries require advanced technology, extensive expertise, and meticulous post-operative care. At high altitudes, the challenges multiply due to harsh conditions like low oxygen and extreme cold.

Upon arrival in Gyalze, Chang's team identified widespread dental issues among local residents, such as significant tooth loss caused by hard food consumption and a lack of oral health awareness. Traditional dentures failed to fully address these problems.

Chang collaborated with Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital to secure a donation of advanced surgical equipment worth 100,000 yuan ($13,792). With this support, the aid team created a plan to enhance local dental practices.

The pioneering procedure, completed in just 30 minutes, successfully implanted two prosthetic teeth with precise placement and stable patient vitals. This milestone not only fills the technological gap of dental implants in high-altitude regions but also gives local residents access to advanced medical care without traveling far.