Tooth implantation

Tooth implantation is usually required when one or several teeth are lost. It is the most advanced and best way to restore missing teeth because the implants imitate the natural shape of teeth and function just like natural teeth. The procedure is suitable for patients of any age starting at 18–20 years; old age is no reason to refuse treatment with implants. The dentist-orthopaedist will evaluate the situation of each individual patient and suggest treatment alternatives during a consultation.

   Why implants?

• Tooth implants restore the normal function of chewing. It is very important to overall health because tooth defects change nutrition habits and this can cause gastric and other disorders to develop.

• Implants look very natural. This method of treatment guarantees a healthy and beautiful smile.

• Unlike bridge structures used to restore missing teeth (see “Tooth prosthesis”) implants do not require polishing and shaping of the adjacent teeth. This is extremely important in cases when the adjacent teeth are healthy and do not require a prosthesis.

• The adjacent teeth and gums are protected from a heavy load typical to the use of removable prosthetics or bridge structures.

• Another important thing is that implantation preserves the osseous tissue the teeth are attached to. When a tooth is lost, the bone begins melting at that point, the jawbone grows weaker, the shape of the face changes and this may even cause jawbone fractures. The implants imitate the tooth root and prevent the osseous tissue from declining. Implantation is only possible when there is sufficient bone thickness and so there are cases when a bone augmentation procedure is required to restore the bone at the required point.

• Implants are often the only way to avoid prosthetics. The replacement of every missing tooth with an implant is not obligatory. Even if you have many or all teeth missing, 4–8 implants will offer the possibility to have non-removable prosthetics.

• Well maintained implants can function for 30 years or longer.

• The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is absolutely painless.

How is this performed?

• The dental surgeon-implantologist evaluates the situation of the patient and suggests treatment options during the consultation.

• Additional procedures required for the success of the implant may be performed before implantation, including oral hygiene, bone regeneration, computer tomography analysis, etc.

• Implantation. A local anaesthesia is performed to make the procedure absolutely painless. Several small incisions are made and a section of the gums is lifted. A seat for the implant is formed at the point and the implant is screwed into the bone. The gums are sutured and the sutures are removed after 10–14 days. Titanium implants have excellent biological compatibility with osseous tissue and simply knit together with it. This requires 3–6 months, depending on the type of implant screwed in and the type of bone (natural or augmented) the implant is screwed into. Titanium does not cause any allergies or diseases.

The implantation procedure lasts up to one hour and it is often much shorter; it is not sophisticated and allows you to feel good and be fit for work the next day. One visit may involve screwing in several implants, so if you need several teeth to be restored, you will not have to plan many visits.

• When the implant becomes stable, the top section of it is opened and a small part is attached to it to form a place for the future crown within 2–3 weeks.

• Based on the individual situation of each patient, metal or zirconium ceramic crowns or bridge structures are made and attached to the implant so that you can chew and smile again.

The dental surgeons of the DentalPRO clinic will explain the possibilities, necessity, course and safety of any of the above procedures and answer all your questions during your consultation.