What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a screw-like device made of titanium alloy or zirconia oxide that replaces the root of a tooth when it is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Modern implants are made of highly durable materials that biologically integrate well with the oral cavity. Once the implant is placed, a dental crown is attached to it, restoring a natural-looking tooth.
Dental implantation is one of the most reliable methods for replacing missing teeth. This dental restoration technique is painless and provides excellent aesthetic results. After the implantation procedure, approximately 97% of implants successfully integrate with the jawbone, and implant manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty for their products.
When people lose one or more teeth, they often don’t pay much attention to it, especially if they are not front teeth. However, serious consequences can be felt in the future. When a tooth is lost, irreversible processes gradually occur in our body – the bone starts to resorb, and the adjacent teeth try to compensate for the missing tooth, causing them to shift or tilt.
The implantation procedure is completely painless and quick, lasting up to 60 minutes (for the placement of a single implant). It provides maximum aesthetic results that are indistinguishable from a natural smile.
Patient consultation
In order to better assess the patient’s condition and expectations prior to the implantation procedure, a consultation with the implanting dentist is scheduled. During this consultation, a comprehensive diagnosis is performed, including a panoramic X-ray and, if necessary, a computer tomography scan. After the diagnostic process, the dentist evaluates the patient’s condition, listens to their expectations, and creates a treatment plan, which is discussed with the patient.
Dental implantation procedure
The dental implantation procedure is divided into two stages. The first stage is the surgical phase, during which the implants are placed. The second stage is the prosthetic phase, during which permanent teeth are attached to the successfully integrated implants.
Surgical phase
The implantation procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Several small incisions are made at the site of implantation, the gums are retracted, and the implantation site is prepared in the jawbone. Then, the implant is inserted into the prepared site. After implantation, the gums are sutured, and a healing abutment or temporary dental crown is attached. The sutures are usually removed after 1-2 weeks, depending on the dentist’s recommendations.
Prosthetic stage
Once the implant has fully integrated (usually after 3-4 months), a permanent dental crown is custom-made and attached to the implant. It provides a seamless aesthetic appearance that is indistinguishable from the patient’s natural teeth.
Post-implantation recommendations
- In the first few days after implantation, it is recommended to avoid hot, hard, and sharp foods.
- For smoking patients, it is recommended to refrain from smoking for 1-2 weeks, as smoking slows down the wound healing process and increases the risk of infection.
- 3-4 days after the procedure, avoid intense physical exertion, swimming pools, and saunas, and do not take blood-thinning medications (unless otherwise instructed by your doctor).
- During the first few days after the implantation, it is important to minimize contact with the implanted area (with the tongue, toothbrush, etc.).
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What to do if you are missing all or most of your teeth
For patients who have lost all or most of their teeth, teeth can be restored using the “Teeth on four implants” technique. With this treatment method, full arch of teeth is restored on just 4 implants. This treatment not only restores the aesthetic appearance of the mouth, but also fully restores the natural chewing function of the individual and prevents jawbone resorption.
The typical duration of the “Teeth on four implants” procedure is about 3 hours. During the procedure, impressions are taken, and temporary teeth are fabricated within 24 hours, allowing the patient to have full chewing and eating function on the same day.
Patient consultation
In order to better assess the patient’s condition and their expectations, prior to the implantation procedure, the patient undergoes a consultation with the implanting dentist, during which a comprehensive diagnosis is performed (panoramic X-ray, if necessary, a computer tomogram). After the diagnosis, the dentist evaluates the patient’s condition, listens to their expectations, and creates a treatment plan, which is discussed with the patient.
Teeth on four implants procedure
The “Teeth on four implants” dental implant procedure is divided into two stages. The first stage is the surgical phase, during which the implants are placed. The second stage is the prosthetic phase, where permanent teeth are attached to the healed implants.
Surgical stage
During the procedure, any remaining teeth (if present) are removed, and 4 implants are placed to provide support for the full arch prosthesis. In the anterior tooth area, 2 dental implants are fixed, and the remaining 2 implants are placed at an angle in the area of the lateral tooth group. During the implantation, the dentist takes impressions and transfers them to dental technicians for the production of temporary teeth. A temporary dental prosthesis is placed within 1-3 days after the implantation, which looks like natural teeth and allows for chewing food.
The prosthetic stage
After the implants have fully integrated (usually after 4-6 months), the patient returns for the placement of permanent dentures. Once the permanent dentures are placed, the complete esthetic appearance of the teeth is restored and full chewing function is regained.
Why is it worth choosing "Teeth on four implants"?
- Dental implants effectively replace natural tooth roots.
- It is a long-lasting method of dental restoration for a lifetime.
- Fixed restoration provides stability and comfort, resembling natural teeth.
- The “Teeth on four implants” method stimulates jawbone and prevents bone loss.
- It is a cost-effective solution as it requires only 4 implants.