Everything you need to know about dental implants!
The optimal way to replace lost teeth is to have dental implants fitted. If you already have missing teeth – due to an accident, tooth decay, gum disease, etc. – or if you need to have a tooth removed, it is strongly recommended that you have it replaced.
Dental implantology is a branch of dentistry that has developed over the past few decades and is one of the fastest growing areas of the field. It is the most modern form of tooth replacement, providing a feeling similar to that of natural teeth.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of a titanium alloy, which is a completely biocompatible material that is fully accepted by the human body, causes no damage, is able to become part of the bone structure, and is firmly anchored in the jawbone as a pillar. For implants planted in the bone and exposed to stress, the pressure exerted during chewing is permanently absorbed by osseointegration, i.e., the bone-to-implant interface, which allows the implant to become firmly anchored in the bone. The result is a feeling identical to that of natural teeth and immediate chewing function. After the healing phase, they can be loaded in the same way as healthy, natural teeth.
The best way to replace teeth is with immediate or implant and prosthetic restoration within a maximum of four months after tooth loss. Crowns and bridges consisting of one or more members can be attached to the implants. There are several technical solutions for attachment: with screws or adhesive. Screw techniques are among the more modern procedures.
Implant-supported tooth replacement improves quality of life, as it not only restores chewing ability but also the aesthetics of the face and smile. Even if all or almost all teeth are missing, chewing function and a beautiful smile can be restored with dental implants.
Preparation for the procedure
The procedure does not require any special preparation on the part of the patient, as it is performed under local anesthesia with antibiotic protection. Before the procedure, it is advisable to consume a sufficient amount of food and drink to maintain blood sugar levels, and it is also recommended to take any daily medications before the procedure.
The procedure
During the consultation, well in advance of the procedure, we take a precise, 3-dimensional X-ray CT scan of the oral cavity, teeth, and jawbone. Based on this information, a treatment plan is prepared. After the plan has been discussed and agreed upon, the implantation can proceed.
Dental implantation is a completely safe procedure. During traditional implantation or oral surgery, under local anesthesia, we place the implant, which has been selected in advance and is of the appropriate diameter and length, into the so-called bone socket created for the implant.
The next step, once the implant has achieved adequate primary stability, is to screw in the gingiva forming screw in order to achieve more aesthetic soft tissue conditions. The next step, once the implant has achieved adequate primary stability, is to screw in the gingiva-shaping screw to achieve more aesthetic soft tissue conditions, and then suture the gingiva.
After about 1 week (during which time it is advisable to take care of the operated area), we remove the sutures during the check-up, and after a 2-3 month healing period, we take an impression, based on which our dental technician prepares the pre-selected and desired crown, which we fix to the implant. This is where the treatment ends.
After the healing phase, we recommend check-ups every 3-4 months for 1 year.
Expected results and effects of implantation
Thanks to dental implant treatment and implantation, the face regains its full aesthetics within a short period of time. The patient can smile carefree again, and their quality of life improves greatly. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, the results last a lifetime.
Important information
In the days following the procedure, swelling and bruising may occur, depending on the individual. A rare complication is implant rejection, which is very unlikely,
occurring in only 1-2% of cases worldwide. If the osseointegration of the implants is disrupted for any reason, this may lead to implant loss: for example, due to poor oral hygiene,
poor oral care, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, susceptibility to diabetes, etc.
For long-lasting, good results, please follow your doctor's recommendations in all cases, the most important of which are regular dental check-ups and precise oral care.
If the patient follows the doctor's instructions, the results will last a lifetime.
- In what cases can dental implants be recommended?
- In the case of one or more missing teeth (no need to grind down adjacent teeth)
- In the case of missing back teeth
- In the case of missing teeth between rows
- In the case of complete tooth loss