1 Consultation and planning
Prior to the surgical part of the implant procedure it is necessary to establish an individual, detailed treatment plan as to the number and placement of the dental implants required to supplement the teeth losses. The treatment plan considers individual characteristics of the patient, like the location of the sinuses and nerves, and the jawbone condition. The dentist requires at this stage a two-dimensional panoramic image of the patient’s face and a three-dimensional image of the chosen bone fragment, to picture the bone thickness at the place of the planned implantation. In more complicated cases, a full 3D tomography is required.
2 Bone preparation and implantation
If the bone conditions ( thickness, height and density) in place of the intended implantation are not sufficient, an additional treatment needs to be performed – procedure-driven bone grafting (augmentation) or sinus lift. The bone regeneration period after such a treatment lasts from 6 to 10 months, the implantation can proceed after this time. If the bone conditions are adequate and there are no other contraindications, the implantation treatment can commence at once. The main procedure is the insertion of the titanium root part of the prosthetic restorative into the bone socket of the missing tooth, which is subsequently sealed with a special protective screw. All this is performed during one visit.
Post – treatment advice:
- – Antibiotic and painkillers as prescribed by the dentist
- – Cold compress in the early post-operative period is advised
- – Diet restricted to soft foods only
- – Mouth rinsing with a special fluid prescribed by the dentist (chlorhexidine gluconate 0,2%)
- – Avoiding heavy lifting during the period specified by the dentist (until the removal of stitches)
- – During the first 48 hours, smoking should be reduced)
- – Following all doctors’ orders and follow-up visits is a must
3 Prosthetic crown attachment
After the period of osseointegration (implant bonding with the bone), lasting from 3 to 6 months, the dentist will uncover the implant/s and replace the sealing screws on the implant with an abutment. The purpose of that is to prepare and sculpt the gums for future prosthesis (crown or bridge). After approx.. 2 weeks, the dentist takes impressions and conveys them to our laboratory where the prosthetic restoration is produced. The restoration is then attached to the implant either by screwing or cementing.
Dental implants – categorized by stage:
Two stage procedure (most commonly performed) – The two stage procedure requires two surgeries. During the first stage, the titanium screw is placed in the jaw bone. Special protecting screws are placed on top of the implant, and healing caps to sculpt the gums. After the osseointegration process, after the surgery has healed, an abutment is placed on the implant, and dental impressions are taken. In the end, the individually prepared crown is placed on the abutment.
Single stage procedure – in the case of very good bone conditions single stage dental implants are used. The insertion of the implant screw and the placement of a temporary prosthetic crown is being performed during one visit.
Oral hygiene:
Self- discipline at effective home oral care and following strictly the dentist’s prescriptions are the key prerequisites for maintaining the implants for a lifetime without problems. The patient is expected to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent inflammation of supporting tissues. Teeth brushing is absolutely compulsory. Only then does the beautiful smile last for our lifetime. A close cooperation with your dentist after the procedure and strictly attending the follow-up visits is a prerequisite for our warranty for your new teeth. Remember that your prosthetic implant needs a high level of oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing and rinsing with special oral mouthwashes, although required, are often insufficient. Therefore, systematic dental check-ups are also required for professional teeth cleaning. The dental hygienist, using professional tools, will remove the tartar or plaque which was omitted during oral home care. Check-up visits at your dentist are also required to assess the implant status and evaluate whether the titanium screws do not require further actions.
Our health is undeniably priceless and worth any investment. We are often aware of our negligence in this respect, but the pace of modern life distracts us to many other issues that we immediately devote our attention to, postponing our health care plans. Dental professionals at our clinic are able to teach the patients the rules of conduct necessary to maintain their own dentition and a beautiful smile throughout their life. They successfully break the stereotypes that teeth must be subject to destruction at certain age. However, if your teeth have suffered such destruction whether for health reasons or injury, resulting in the appearance of missing teeth, you should immediately consult a dentist on the possibility of supplementing these deficiencies. Be aware that the sooner the gap is refilled, the less your health and finances will suffer. Apart from the aesthetic aspect, our idleness in refilling such deficiencies can lead to digestion and pronunciation disorders and irreversible changes in the temporomandibular joint. Special implant prosthetics, commonly known as “DENTAL IMPLANTS” – are undeniably the most perfect solution for such cases. They combine both aesthetics and functionality at a level as close to natural teeth as possible. Implantology has been helping millions of people recover their lost teeth and restore their natural appearance for over 20 years.
