Dental Implants

Dental implantation is a well-established medical procedure, used for over 50 years and perfected over time.

It is the most widely used and suitable solution for replacing missing teeth, as a dental implant feels and looks exactly like a natural tooth. It is stable, long-lasting, and will undoubtedly restore your confidence!

Specifically, a dental implant consists of a titanium piece shaped like a screw, designed to create an artificial root in the bone where the missing tooth or teeth used to be. Another crucial component of the dental implant is the dental crown itself. The dental crown is the visible part of the dental implant and looks exactly like a natural tooth. It is implanted after completing the stage where the screw is assembled into the bone.

How is the dental implant procedure carried out?

  • First, the dentist will assess the patient to approve the dental implant procedure. Additionally, the patient may need to undergo a set of tests, including preoperative CT scans and vitamin D level measurements.
  • Subsequently, it is determined whether the area where the tooth is missing has enough bone to support the dental implant. The absence of a tooth in the dental arch leads to bone absorption over time. If there is enough bone for a successful dental implant, the procedure continues. Otherwise, bone grafting may be necessary. Bone grafting involves transplanting bone into the specific area to ensure the dental implant’s success.
  • Continuing with the procedure, the gum where the implant will be placed is cut and removed. Using a drill, a channel is created in the bone, and the implant is secured in it.
  • Finally, the gum is sutured back in place, and the patient will need to wait between 6 weeks and 6 months for the body to accept the implant before the dental crown can be attached.

Benefits of Dental Implants

  • One primary benefit of dental implants is that they provide stability to the dental crown that will be implanted by the dentist. Stability is crucial for dental implants as the implanted crown needs to remain stable and fixed in the dental arch. This ensures that the patient does not feel a difference between a natural tooth and an implanted one and avoids any associated problems.
  • The second benefit of dental implants is related to their functionality. A correctly performed dental implant will feel just like a natural tooth, allowing the patient to chew without pain or complications.
  • The natural and healthy appearance is the third benefit of dental implants. Dental crowns can be made from various materials that provide strength, stability, longevity, and an exceptionally natural and beautiful appearance. This gives the patient an impeccable smile, enhancing self-confidence.
  • Dental implants also save adjacent teeth from the need for reshaping in the context of fitting a dental bridge. A dental bridge involves placing a dental crown in the space where a tooth is missing, at the cost of grinding down the two adjacent teeth to provide support for the bridge. Dental implants do not affect adjacent teeth at all, as the entire procedure takes place only in the space where the tooth is missing.

When and why is a dental implant recommended?

A dental implant is recommended in the following situations:

  • When at least one tooth has been lost due to disease, an accident, or cannot be treated by other means, the patient may experience rapid bone loss, speech difficulties, or changes in chewing patterns that can cause discomfort. Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and overall health.
  • Tooth loss can lead to the rapid loss of bone in the jaw. Dental implants help prevent further bone loss and provide stability to the jaw.
  • Missing teeth can affect speech and chewing patterns. Dental implants restore these functions, contributing to better oral and overall health.
  • The psychological impact of tooth loss should not be underestimated. Many patients who have lost at least one tooth may withdraw socially until they address the issue. Dental implants restore self-confidence, aesthetic appearance, and social interactions.
  • It is crucial to note that this decision should be made before other complications arise, such as further loss of bone mass, shifting of adjacent teeth, and other negative effects that can impact health, facial aesthetics, and lifestyle. Early intervention with dental implants can help prevent these complications.

The difference between a dental implant and other treatment methods

Certainly, a dental implant is not the only option for tooth loss, but it is the most efficient and long-lasting (for a lifetime). The alternatives to this treatment are temporary and can bring various complications to long-term dental health.

  • Dental Prosthesis –  This is the most well-known alternative to a dental implant but is not long-lasting. This type of treatment does not ensure the health of neighboring teeth in the future, can lead to a reduction in bone density, and requires recurrent adjustments.
  • Dental Bridge –  It uses neighboring teeth (which need to be ground down) as support points, lasts longer than a prosthesis but not for a lifetime. It does not ensure the maintenance of bone density, requires recurrent adjustments, and may lead to the more rapid loss of neighboring teeth.
  • Leaving a Gap in the Dentition – Not exactly a treatment method, but an alternative that many patients consider (especially if the missing tooth is not visible). Besides the obvious cosmetic issues, failing to replace lost teeth will increase the forces that the remaining teeth have to bear when chewing. This can lead to the potential loss of additional teeth, as the chewing forces on the remaining teeth increase, ultimately causing weakening or fracture.

If a patient considers using one of the above alternatives temporarily, it is crucial to know that these may lead to a more complex and complicated dental implant later due to reduced bone density, requiring bone augmentation before implant placement.

Recommendations for patients - before dental implants

First and foremost, before making the decision for a dental implant, it is advisable for the patient to engage in a discussion with their dentist regarding the benefits and risks, as well as the necessity of this treatment in their case and any available alternatives, if applicable.

Things to consider before the procedure:

  • General health is an essential factor in determining whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants, how long the healing will take, and how long the implant can remain in place.
  • If further details are necessary, it is recommended for the patient to inquire about the brand and model of the dental implant system that will be utilized in their case.
  • Smoking can affect the healing process and long-term success of the implant.
  • The healing process for the implant body can take several months or more, during which a temporary abutment is in place instead of the tooth.

Recommendations for patients - after dental implants

Discomfort is generally minor for one or two implants. For more complex implants, there may be more significant local discomfort, and the dentist will prescribe treatment to minimize these side effects.

  • Strictly follow the oral hygiene instructions provided by the dentist. Regular cleaning of the implant and surrounding teeth is crucial for long-term implant success.
  • Regular visits to the dentist ensure the success of the implant.
  • If the implant feels loose or painful, it is imperative to promptly inform the dentist.
  • Avoid harmful habits that can affect the health of the implant and overall dental health, such as chewing on hard foods like ice or hard candies. Tobacco, which stains the teeth, and caffeinated products are to be avoided. Efforts should be made to eliminate the habit of teeth grinding.

Contraindications for dental implants

Although few in number, certain contraindications for dental implants include uncontrolled diabetes, certain types of cancer, bone diseases, or decompensated heart conditions.

Regarding age, there is no maximum age for this treatment, as firm implant anchoring is possible even in low-density bones. However, there is a minimum age, and the procedure is avoided in adolescents as bone growth is not yet complete.

The procedure is not performed in oral cavities with inflammation or infections, such as active cavities, bacterial plaques, tartar, and certainly not in the presence of periodontal diseases.

Poor oral hygiene and excessive smoking (more than 10 cigarettes per day) can be major causes of procedure failure, serving as significant contraindications for the treatment.

Performing a dental implant in cases of low bone density

Low bone density resulting from delayed dental implant placement can be diagnosed through dental tomography. This condition in the maxillary bone brings complications to the implant procedure, along with longer durations and higher costs.

Bone augmentation is a surgical intervention performed only by experienced dentists, involving expensive additional materials and advanced technology. It is crucial for the success of the dental implant that the maxillary bone can provide stability to the new tooth.