What to know about tooth implantation?

How is the implant installed?

Implant installation takes an average of 15-20 minutes, not including anesthesia.

Beforehand, the final result is agreed upon, namely, whether it will be single crowns or the possibility of making a bridging structure. The implant system is selected taking into account the type of bone and its volume, as well as the size, diameter, and number of implants.

Implantation is carried out under local anesthesia (the same as with normal tooth treatment); sedation or intravenous anesthesia may also be performed.

After anesthesia, a cavity for the implant is created in the bone using special implantological drills (burrs), and the implant is installed."

If necessary, it is possible to make an incision in the gum area where the implant will be placed, after which the incision is sutured. This allows for improved visibility during implantation and more precise implant placement. The primary healing of the mucous membrane occurs within the first few days and is not accompanied by any pain.

At the site of implantation, the patient may see sutures or a metal gum former. One-stage placement of an abutment with a temporary crown is also possible.

Which implants are better?

All implants are good because they allow for the restoration of chewing efficiency and reduce the load on neighboring teeth. There are no bad or good implants, only those that have successfully integrated and those that have not. There is a conditional division into:

• leaders - which have been on the market for several decades, have a world-renowned name, a large number of conducted clinical trials, and a corresponding cost (Straumann, Nobel, Astra, Bioghorizon);
• all others - less well-known but performing their function no worse.

All implants are made of titanium, a biologically inert metal (completely biocompatible):

• GRADE 4 - has lower strength, better osseointegration, and is used for small diameter implants.
• GRADE 5 - stronger titanium, with poorer osseointegration.
• Implants made of zirconia oxide.

What distinguishes implant systems if they are all made of titanium?

1. The type of thread on the implant surface.
2. Application of special compounds to the implant surface that promote better osseointegration. For example, hydroxyapatite (it is present in the composition of tooth tissues).
3. Treatment of the implant surface to create roughness and improve adhesion to bone tissue:

• Sandblasting of the surface;
• Treatment with various acids;
• Both of the above.

As a result, any implant is better than the absence of a tooth!

 How to choose an implant manufacturer?

First of all, trust your treating doctor. But if a patient wants to choose implants themselves, then they should pay attention not to loud assurances, as "Swiss quality" and "made in Switzerland" are rather a marketing template, but to the possibility of obtaining information about implants from various sources (Google, social networks), the presence of company representatives in different countries and accordingly information on specialized websites. Verified, reliable manufacturers, whether they are Israeli, Korean, or Swiss implants, provide complete information in the public domain about registration and the availability of all licenses in various countries (for example, it is quite strange when it is impossible to find any information on Swiss implant websites about Swiss implants).

Can an implant be placed if a tooth has been missing for a long time?

Yes! The absence of a tooth can lead to a number of problems. There are several options for replacing a lost tooth:

• A removable prosthesis (denture)
• A bridge-like prosthesis, supported by neighboring teeth, but if there are more than two missing teeth, it is not acceptable due to the high probability of losing the supporting teeth
• Doing nothing, which can result in gaps between teeth and the opposing tooth moving towards the missing space
• Implant placement is a good modern way to restore chewing efficiency.

Can a dental implant be placed immediately after tooth extraction?

It is possible. This is called immediate implantation, when an implant is immediately placed in the socket of the extracted tooth. However, there are several "buts":

• There should be no inflammatory processes in the bone in the area of the extracted tooth
• There should be no inflammatory processes in the soft tissues of the oral cavity
• The procedure should be planned in advance (computed tomography should be performed, and an implant system should be chosen)

How to eat properly after a dental implant placement?

There are no specific dietary restrictions related to implant placement. However, there may be restrictions related to the intake of antibiotics. It is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages, spicy, fatty, and salty foods, as well as products with high sugar content. These products:

• Reduce the effectiveness of medical drugs
• Increase the load on the liver, kidneys, and stomach (at least exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases, dysbiosis, or allergic reactions are possible)

How many dental implants can be placed at once, and is it better to place them one by one with intervals or all the necessary ones in one visit?

Taking into account the intake of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, it is preferable to install all the necessary implants at once. For example, in case of complete absence of teeth in both jaws, the ideal solution is to place 6 implants in each jaw; with proper planning, this can be done in one visit to the dentist.

If a tooth is severely damaged, what is better to choose: an implant or a crown?

Definitely - to save your tooth. If possible, it is better to cover it with a dental crown. In situations where there is a fracture of the roots, there is significant inflammation in the bone, or due to periodontitis the tooth has grade 4 mobility - extraction and implant placement will prevent further loss of bone.

How long does an implant take to fuse with the jawbone?

It depends on the chosen implant system and the jawbone in which it will be placed. The time for the implant to fuse (osseointegration) ranges from 1 to 6 months.

Is it possible to place implants with periodontitis?

Yes, it is possible. Periodontitis is not a contraindication, moreover, it is one of the most common causes of tooth loss. The main problem is the loss of bone tissue due to gum disease. There are a number of additional surgical interventions to restore bone volume (bone augmentation) and short implants. During the implant integration period, patients with periodontitis are prescribed supportive therapy and strict control of oral hygiene.

Is there a warranty for implants?

Implant manufacturers provide a warranty for their products. In case of implant rejection, the manufacturer provides a new implant under warranty, and the patient only pays for the individual set for the repeat implantation.

How long do dental implants last?

It is very individual. A good indicator is considered to be 10 years. This term is influenced by a huge number of factors, but none of them is decisive:

• thorough oral hygiene;
• the presence of harmful habits;
• concomitant diseases;
• professional hazards;
• taking medications, etc.