Implantology
A dental implant is a titanium or, more recently, a ceramic screw that is placed into the jawbone and fuses with it, serving as a replacement for the root of a lost or missing tooth. As an excellent solution for edentulism or tooth replacement, implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss as they are structurally and functionally integrated with the bone.
Losing one or more teeth primarily causes a disruption in the chewing function, which significantly affects other functions of the body. It also leads to aesthetic issues, creating numerous inconveniences in daily communication. Without teeth that maintain the jawbone through chewing, there is gradual bone loss. Since the bone supports the facial muscles, as it deteriorates, the muscle mass decreases, causing the face to take on aging characteristics, resulting in both functional and aesthetic problems.
What are the indications for dental implant placement?
1. Replacement of a single tooth: If you are missing a single tooth, it can be replaced by placing a single implant and a ceramic dental crown on top of it.
2. Replacement of multiple teeth: If you are missing multiple teeth, you can have implants placed that will serve as supports for dental bridges.
3. Replacement of all missing teeth: If you are edentulous, implants can be used to create dental bridges that replace all teeth or to create comfortable and stable dentures.
What is the procedure for dental implant placement?
- The treatment plan includes a clinical examination and an analysis of the X-ray by the implant surgeon.
- Implant placement involves a surgical procedure, after which you will wait 3-6 months for the osteointegration process, i.e., the fusion of the implant with the surrounding bone.
- Placing the suprastructures on the implants occurs after the osteointegration period, followed by taking impressions for the fabrication of crowns and bridges.
- Finally, crowns and bridges are placed as the final stage of the process.
Feel free to contact us regarding implant prices, dental bridge costs, and any other questions.
What are the advantages of dental implants compared to dental bridges and dentures?
Conventional methods for replacing missing teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or partial and full dentures, only temporarily and partially address the problem. To place bridges, it is necessary for the adjacent teeth, both in front and behind the empty space, to be used as supports, which often leads to the sacrifice or grinding of perfectly healthy teeth. On the other hand, while these restorations solve the issues of chewing function and aesthetics, the bone in the area of the extracted teeth is still not stimulated by the chewing process, so over time, it continues to resorb.
Dental implants are the only solution that stops bone loss.
By placing an implant where a tooth has been lost, not only are the surrounding teeth preserved, but the forces generated during chewing are transferred to the jawbone, preventing bone resorption. Since implants function similarly to natural teeth, they are considered the best replacement for lost teeth by modern dental standards. In every possible aspect, dental implants offer a better solution for replacing missing teeth.
Aesthetics:
The appearance and feel of a dental implant are identical to that of natural teeth. Since the implant fuses firmly with the jawbone, it prevents bone loss and gum recession, which are common issues with dental bridges and dentures. No one will be able to tell that you have an artificial tooth replacement.
Preserving Remaining Teeth:
Dental implants do not compromise the quality of the remaining teeth, which is often the case with dental bridges. The more healthy and intact teeth you have, the greater the long-term benefit for your oral health.
Comfort and Confidence:
With dental implants, you will be able to speak and eat normally with more comfort and confidence. They allow you to say goodbye to dentures that have caused discomfort, fallen out, and created an unpleasant feeling of a foreign object in your mouth.
The best dental implants - Straumann Implant System
Premium-class implants, such as the Straumann Implant System, are backed by decades of research with precise statistics on survival rates after 5, 10, 15, 20 years or more, and we are confident they cause the fewest complications. What is also important is that, in a few years, when the prosthetic work needs to be replaced, the Straumann brand will still exist with all the necessary components for prosthetic rehabilitation or the replacement of crowns and bridges on implants. Newer systems have only been on the market for a few years and are slowly making their way through the market, with insufficiently researched cases and just a few years of statistical data. This is why they tend to be cheaper systems. In our practice, we use the Straumann Implant System, which has been around for over six decades.
Frequently asked questions about dental implants
Will my body accept the dental implant?
Implants are made from biocompatible materials, and there is no risk of the body rejecting the implant. Failure occurs in about 3% of cases, typically due to improper placement of the implant, excessive force, or inadequate oral hygiene.
How long does the surgical procedure take?
The surgical procedure typically takes about half an hour.
Is the implant placement process painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is absolutely painless. After the surgery, there may be mild pain for the first 2-3 hours, which can be relieved with analgesics (usually, only one dose is sufficient).
What after the treatment?
Just as your natural teeth require proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups with the dentist, dental implants also require the same or even higher levels of care and maintenance. Therefore, regular brushing of your implants and the use of dental floss and/or a water flosser are essential and cannot be overlooked.
How long do dental implants last?
According to the latest research, 90-95% of all implanted dental implants function completely after 10 years, provided that the patient follows the dentist’s advice, maintains proper oral hygiene, and regularly attends check-ups and preventive treatments.
Is it possible for everyone to get dental implants?
Implant placement is not related to the patient's age. The only limitation is for patients with incomplete jaw growth, such as children.
Are there any contraindications for dental implant placement?
As with any surgery, poor general health and a very small number of diseases can have a negative effect on the integration of the implant. Insufficient bone quantity or quality can be a contraindication. In such cases, additional surgical measures, such as the placement of artificial bone, may be required.
Should I choose more expensive premium implants or a more affordable implant system?
Our recommendation and advice to patients is to always prioritize quality over the cost of implants. An implant is a foreign object being placed in your body, so it’s essential to choose the best available option. Premium implants, such as the Straumann system, are backed by decades of research with precise statistics on survival rates after 5, 10, 15, 20, and more years. They also offer long-term use, and we are confident that they have the lowest complication rates.
What is also important is that, in a few years, when the prosthetic work needs to be adjusted, the brand will still exist with all the necessary components for prosthetic rehabilitation or for replacing crowns and bridges on implants. Newer systems have only been available for a few years and are slowly entering the market with insufficiently researched cases and just a few years of statistics. This is why these systems are much cheaper.
In our practice, we use the Straumann Implant System, which has been around for over six decades.
What is the most important factor in dental implant placement?
Before and after implant placement, the most important factor is good oral hygiene to ensure long-term stability and prevent bone inflammation around the implant. Maintaining oral hygiene after the implant placement is done according to the dentist’s advice. And of course, regular check-ups are essential for the longevity of the implants and the prosthetic restorations placed on them.
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