What is dental implantation?

What is Dental Implantation?

Dental implantation is a modern dental procedure involving the placement of an implant into the jawbone. This process includes installing a titanium screw and an abutment, which serve as a foundation for crowns, providing a reliable replacement for missing teeth.

Titanium Screw

The titanium screw ensures the stability of the implant, allowing a crown to be placed on the same day as the surgery if necessary, thanks to its strong integration with the bone tissue.

Abutment

The abutment acts as a connecting piece between the implant and the crown, providing a stable attachment for both temporary and permanent crowns.

Gum Former

A gum former is used to create a natural contour of the soft tissues around the future crown, ensuring a harmonious and natural appearance of the tooth.

Crown

The crown is fixed onto the abutment after the jaw and gum remodeling is complete, serving as the artificial tooth.

Methods of Tooth Implantation

Single-Stage Implantation

In single-stage implantation, the temporary prosthesis and implant are fixed in one procedure, with the permanent crown placed 3-5 months after the temporary one.

Two-Stage Implantation

Two-stage implantation is a classic method that minimizes the risk of complications. The abutment is placed 6 months after the implant has integrated, and the crown is placed a week after that.

Immediate Implantation

Immediate implantation is performed simultaneously with tooth extraction. This method is ideal for front teeth where aesthetics are crucial. For molars, this method is rarely used.

Duration of the Implantation Procedure

Placing a single implant takes about 30 minutes, and its integration into the bone takes from 3 to 5 months. The entire treatment and recovery period takes about a year. The timeline depends on the number of implants, the volume and quality of the bone tissue, and the patient's jaw characteristics. Implants integrate with the lower jaw faster due to the high bone density. The final stage is attaching the permanent crowns after complete integration of the implant.

Implant-Supported Prostheses

Fixed Prostheses: Crowns that are indistinguishable from natural teeth, installed on 1-2 teeth.
Bridge Prostheses: A solution for replacing several adjacent teeth in a row.
Removable Prostheses: Ideal for complete edentulism, providing secure attachment of artificial teeth. They allow normal chewing and speaking, and can be easily removed if necessary.
Overdentures: Fixed with screws and can only be removed by a dentist.

Post-Implantation Recovery

To recover faster after implantation, it's important to follow these recommendations:

Avoid consuming very hot or cold foods.
Chew on the opposite side for the first few days.
Clean your teeth gently.
Avoid the gym, sauna, and bath for a week.
Avoid getting chilled.

If a sinus lift was performed, additional restrictions apply:

Avoid flying.
Do not blow your nose.
Do not sneeze.
Avoid drinking through a straw.

It is important to follow the dentist's recommendations for one month, after which you can return to your normal routine.

How to Care for Implants?

Proper care for implants begins immediately after installation. If the procedure involved bone grafting, swelling may occur in the first few days, which usually subsides on its own. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for complete recovery and long-term health of the teeth and gums.

Basic Care Recommendations:

Brush your teeth twice a day.
Rinse your mouth after each meal.
Use an irrigator for thorough cleaning between teeth.

These measures help prevent inflammation and other complications, contributing to the longevity of the implants.

Who Should Avoid Dental Implants?

Dental implants have several contraindications, which can be divided into absolute and relative.

Absolute Contraindications:

Young Age: The procedure is not performed for patients under 20-22 years old, as the jaw is not yet fully developed.
Serious blood clotting disorders.
Malignant tumors.
Osteoporosis: Bone health is critical for successful implantation.
Recovery period after a heart attack or stroke.
Severe chronic kidney or liver failure.
Connective tissue diseases.
Uncontrolled diabetes.

Relative Contraindications (temporary or conditional):

Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Severe bruxism.
Acute periodontitis.
Dental deposits.
Uncontrolled diabetes.

What Will I Feel During Implantation?

The process of installing an implant feels similar to having a tooth extracted. At "RuDenta" clinic, a significant emphasis is placed on patient comfort and painless procedures. Various types of anesthesia are used for this purpose.

Anesthesia Options:

Standard Anesthesia: Injection into the gums, where the patient remains conscious and may feel pressure or vibration but not pain.
Anesthesia and Intravenous Sedation: Suitable for patients with severe anxiety about procedures.

Possible Complications

When performed at a reputable clinic, the risk of complications is minimal (1%). However, in rare cases, the following issues may arise:

Peri-Implantitis: Inflammation of the tissues around the implant. Treated with antibiotics and, in rare cases, removal of the implant.
Implant Rejection: Requires removal of the implant.
Implant Loosening: The implant is repositioned.
Implant Penetration into the Sinus Cavity: Requires removal.
Exposure of the Implant’s Top: An aesthetic and functional issue that may sometimes require implant replacement.