The dental implantation procedure involves placing an artificial root into the jawbone, allowing for the permanent fixation of a dental crown. This solution can be used to replace a missing tooth. Implants can last for decades. How are dental implants placed? What does the procedure involve? Are there any contraindications? The Medikadent team will help you better understand dental implantology.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium screws that are inserted into the jaw to support artificial teeth made of high-quality materials.
A dental implant is a small and solid titanium screw that successfully replaces the root of a missing tooth. The implant can be placed in both the lower and upper jaw. After osseointegration (the fusion of the implant with the bone), the implant fully takes on the function of the missing tooth root. After that, the implant is capable of supporting crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Implants are very strong and durable, and if properly maintained, they can last a lifetime. When crowns, bridges, or dentures are placed on stable, secure, and firm implants, the patient gets the feeling of having their own natural teeth.
In the past, the only replacements for natural teeth were removable dentures and bridges, which could not fully meet all patient needs. Today, dental implants are considered the best solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants can completely take over the role of the natural tooth root.
At Medikadent Polyclinic, implantology and other dental procedures are performed by an oral surgeon with many years of experience and the highest level of oral medicine education in implantology. Oral surgery procedures are carried out using advanced diagnostics, the highest standards of sterility, and the use of top-quality materials.
Preliminary examinations for dental implant placement
Before beginning the implant placement procedure, the dental surgeon starts with a thorough assessment of the patient’s oral condition. The doctor will carry out radiographic examinations, such as panoramic radiographs or CT scans. These examinations are used to assess the available bone volume and surrounding anatomical structures. They also reveal any possible contraindications. Once the treatment plan is established, the dental surgeon can schedule the surgical procedure.
Good to know: implants can be placed from approximately the age of 18, when growth is complete. This can be verified with a simple radiological examination.
How do we plan implant placement at Medikadent Polyclinic?
At Medikadent Polyclinic, we primarily care about the health and interests of our patients, which is why an appropriate treatment plan is created before making any kind of prosthetic replacement.
The implant therapy plan is made with the help of CBCT devices and 3D technology, which allow for the assessment of bone tissue and the detection of any lack of bone necessary for implant placement.
For therapy planning, we use the RealGUIDE guided surgery technique, based on the following principles:
- Careful three-dimensional reconstruction of the patient’s oral condition using data obtained from CBCT scanning.
- Use of special software (3Diagnosys) that allows the oral surgeon to create a complete diagnosis and virtual implant placement plan in a simple and intuitive way.
- Use of the most modern CAD/CAM technology and fast prototype production for automatically transferring the therapy plan to the surgical guide, as well as the production of templates for temporary dentures.
- Performing any type of procedure (for complete and partial edentulism), including bone regeneration (anatomical modeling of bone grafts).
Surgical procedure
Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure performed by dental surgeons. Dental practices at Medikadent employ dental surgeons specialized in dental implantology. We practice administering a stronger local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. In most cases, the surgery is straightforward and painless.
The procedure begins with an incision in the gum, providing access to the jawbone. Once access is obtained, the dental surgeon prepares the site in the bone where the implant will be inserted. The implant, usually made of titanium, is then screwed into the bone. Titanium is a biocompatible material that promotes solid, stable bone integration.
What happens after implant placement?
After the implant is placed, a healing period is necessary to allow for optimal bone integration. This period may vary depending on the clinical case, but generally lasts between 2 and 6 months. During this time, the implant fuses with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for future prosthetics. At the end of the healing period, a temporary denture can be placed to ensure proper aesthetics and chewing function while the gum tissue heals.
After the gingival tissue has healed, an impression is taken to make the final prosthesis. The dental prosthesis supported by the implant, which may be a bridge, crown, or removable denture, is then attached to the dental implant with special abutments. This phase is called implant loading. The goal is to restore chewing function and aesthetics with a permanent replacement of the missing tooth. Implants are an excellent solution because they can replace one or more teeth without affecting other teeth, while offering a prosthesis that is both fixed and comfortable.
If you have one or more dental implants, we recommend extremely thorough oral hygiene and regular check-ups with your dentist.
OXY implants provide a lifetime warranty if patients follow the dentist’s advice:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and evening.
- Use mouthwash daily.
- Use an interdental toothbrush around the area where implants are placed.
- Use a water flosser.
- Have a dental check-up once a year.
Contraindications for dental implant surgery
The dental surgeon will evaluate these aspects during the preliminary examinations. Sometimes, bone volume can be increased with a pre-implant bone graft.
There are also two rare absolute contraindications:
- Facial radiation,
- High risk of infectious endocarditis (infection of a heart valve by bacteria from the mouth).
Keep in mind: it is important to inform your doctor about all the diseases you have (even those you may not think are important) and to list all the medications you take regularly.
Conclusion
Treatment possibilities differ for each person. Our dental team at Medikadent will discuss with you the possibility of implant placement and which option is best for you.
