Dental Implantation

What is a dental implant?

An implant is a small screw that is placed in the upper or lower jawbone and that acts as a replacement for the lost tooth root. It is an artificial tooth root, typically made from titanium, a precious metal that is totally biocompatible with human bone. The result is artificial teeth which look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.

Dental implantation is recommended in the following cases:

• absence of one tooth;
• absence of 2-3 teeth in a row in the presence of adjacent healthy teeth (here implants eliminate the need for processing of healthy teeth for crowns);
• absence of teeth in the last row;
• complete absence of teeth.

What are the advantages of an implant?

Implants create the most natural and life-like solution to a missing tooth. The result is virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth and in a very short space of time, it will likely feel completely normal.

Other solutions for replacing missing teeth – either a bridge or dentures – are not as long-lasting or natural-looking. Implants allow you to eat, speak and maintain an oral health regimen as if you had never lost a tooth in the first place.

The procedure of implant placement is carried out under local anesthesia and is completely painless. The implants are made of biologically neutral material, and therefore adhere without complications with normal bone mass.

Am I a suitable candidate for implants?

The only requirements to have a dental implant fitted is that you are in good health, possess a healthy jawbone and have no gum disease. The success rate of dental implants is very high.

A factor that can impact on the success of the procedure is the presence of gum disease or tooth decay. These need to be fully treated before even thinking about implants. Smoking needs to be stopped well before treatment and ideally after the implants are fitted. Smoking reduces healing capacity and can cause complications at the integration point of the implant, not to mention its other effects on general health.

Some medical conditions and the medication required to treat them can also have an adverse effect on implants. These include diabetes, cancer and gastric reflux.

Methods of tooth implantation

Dental implantation is performed by classical and momentary ways. The classic method is used after two or more months of tooth surgery removal. After engraftment of the implant (duration is 2-4 months) follows prosthetics – a crown or bridge setting on the artificial root.

If the installation of implant is carried out immediately after tooth extraction, we are dealing with a one-stage or express implantation. This procedure involves implantation, fixing the abutment and installation of temporary crown during one visit to dentist. Conducting of express implantation is possible only in case of patient suitable anatomic conditions in the oral cavity. One moment implantation is considered to be more comfortable and less traumatic than the classical method.

Dental implant process

Dental implantation is a surgical procedure performed by experienced professionals under local anesthesia. We offer different dental implant systems. Implant surgery procedure normally involves the following stages:

Pre-operative exam and consultation

Before undergoing the procedure, an oral surgeon should perform a comprehensive oral evaluation to assess the feasibleness of providing implant treatment and discuss possible treatment options with you.

Implant placement

The next step is to place the dental implants. Gum and jawbone reconstruction should be carried out prior to the implant placement, if required. The implant is screwed into a small hole in the bone of the jaw prepared by the surgeon. Then you will need a period ranging from three to six months for the jawbone to fuse with the implant.

Abutment and crown

Your dentist reopens your gum and places an abutment on each dental implant. After this, the permanent crown is put on top.

Care and maintenance

Dental implants require regular visits to the dentist and maintaining proper and thorough oral care.