Implantology

Implantology – the most effective modern dental treatment for restoring lost teeth!

Dental implants are the best long-term solution for replacing a permanently damaged tooth root and are used by millions of people around the world. Implantology is a safe and modern way to restore one or more lost teeth and to support a removable or non-removable full-row denture. It is one of the most reliable treatments in medicine, with a 96-100% success rate. 

What is a dental implant? A dental implant is a screw made of titanium, zirconium or an alloy of these materials that is surgically inserted into the jawbone and to which an artificial tooth crown is attached. With dental implants, teeth can be restored without damaging the adjacent healthy teeth, as the implant procedure does not require grinding the adjacent teeth to support the crown. A dental implant looks like a natural tooth, allowing you to chew and speak as before tooth loss. Our clinic’s specialists work with different types of implants and find the most suitable implant solution for each client.

Restoring a lost tooth is extremely important!

Often people think they can do without one tooth, but in reality, restoring a lost tooth as soon as possible is vital for a beautiful smile, a good bite and good health. Even the loss of one tooth can cause adverse changes and health problems.

If you delay treatment: 

• The jawbone at the site of the missing tooth begins to deteriorate, which can alter the shape of your face. Losing several teeth can cause facial deformities, with sunken cheeks, drooping lip corners, deeper wrinkles, a protruding chin, and an overall older appearance.
• adjacent teeth lose support and start to tilt into the gap left by the missing tooth.
• Your bite changes, and chewing becomes less effective, potentially leading to digestive issues and headaches over time.
• The chances of needing an artificial bone graft increase.

Choosing dental implants to restore lost teeth: 

• Healthy teeth are preserved because the implant does not need the additional support of grinding adjacent teeth.
• Thanks to the evenly distributed load and the continuous muscle work, the jawbone is protected from degradation and the face shape does not age prematurely.
• No discomfort when eating, talking or smiling because the implant resembles a natural tooth. 

Four steps to restoring one or more lost teeth

1. Investigation and medical consultation

During the consultation, the dentist examines the patient, finds out the patient’s wishes, medical history, takes X-rays, develops a treatment plan and sets a date to start the treatment.  

2. Implantation procedure

The implantation procedure is carried out in two stages. In the first stage, an opening is created in the jawbone into which an implant screw of the appropriate size is inserted. Next, the implant is placed and covered with soft tissue to protect the implant from contact with the oral cavity, allowing the wound to heal. The implant can also be placed using a laser – this procedure causes less trauma to the jawbone and gum tissue, promoting successful healing of the soft tissue and preventing infection. For patients who are being treated for chronic conditions, taking certain medications such as blood thinners, the use of a laser reduces medical risks and eases the post-operative period.

The first stage of dental implant placement takes on average only 60-90 minutes. The procedure itself is painless and local anesthesia is sufficient. After the implantation, the doctor may prescribe a short course of antibiotics and there may be temporary swelling and slight pain at the surgical site.

Sometimes implants can be screwed in right after the tooth is extracted – this is called immediate implantation. In rare cases, a temporary crown can also be placed immediately. The likelihood of this surgery depends on the patient’s individual oral health and the suitability of this method is assessed by the doctor. Increasingly, implant positioning trays or surgical guides are also being used in addition to the surgery, allowing the implant position to be planned more accurately and the surgery to be performed more quickly.

3. Healing and gum shaping

The implant site heals in 4-12 weeks, and the stitches are removed after just one week. The dentist will assess how long the healing phase should take, taking into account the patient’s health condition. In case of insufficient jawbone volume, a bone augmentation procedure may also be performed. Like implant placement, it is quick and painless, often performed at the same time as implant placement. In the case of bone augmentation, healing takes 6-9 months. 

After the implant is integrated, the second stage of implant placement involves removing the mucosa over the implant and inserting a healing-gum-forming screw – the dentist makes a small incision in the gum at the implant site and inserts the healing screw, which ensures the appropriate gum tissue is formed and shaped to start the prosthetic stage. 

4. Attaching a new dental crown

As the implant grows in, a crown is placed over the implant. Depending on the treatment method chosen, the patient may be offered a temporary crown or wait for a permanent crown. For the dental crown, impressions of the teeth are taken, measurements are taken and a profile of the gums is created. Implant crowns are made by a dental technician and depending on the material chosen (plastic, metal, ceramic, glass ceramic, zirconia ceramic), the manufacturing technology and the skill of the technician, the aesthetic appearance, lifetime and cost of the crown depend.

Implant care

Dental implants need to be cared for just like natural teeth to last a lifetime. They need regular care, visits to the dentist and hygienist. Effective implant care, plaque control and regular preventive check-ups are critical to keep the gums attached to the denture and to ensure the health and seal of the biological tissues. Full oral hygiene care is available in our clinic for patients with dental implants. During the visit, our hygienists use special techniques and instruments that do not damage the dental implants and inform patients about the most appropriate oral hygiene products and techniques to use for dental implant care at home.

Cost of dental implants

The total cost of treatment depends on the type, number and placement procedure of the implants and crowns chosen. You can find out the exact cost of dental implants by booking a consultation with our specialists.