The appearance of dental implants redefined permanent tooth replacement for good. Combined with modern dental techniques, they provide the perfect long term solution. Despite being used all over the world with outstanding results, there are still several misconceptions about them. In this article we will answer the most frequently asked questions about this surgical intervention.
Dental implants vs. dental bridge
Replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge means that the neighboring teeth have to be filed down. Then they can serve as pillars. Of course, this can be also achieved by a single dental implant, without touching the other teeth. The titanium implant is as an artificial root replacement, inside the jawbone. The actual replacement –crown, bridge or denture – can be fitted on top of this artificial root.
Is it painful?
Inserting a dental implant is a basic surgical intervention. It happens under local anesthesia, or in some cases conscious or deep sedation. We at VitalEurope are perfectly aware that most patients are terrified of dentists, because they don’t like pain. Therefore, our primary goal is to make sure that the patient doesn’t feel any pain during the treatment, not even the first injection. Post-treatment pain should not be a concern either, as it can be easily avoided with the help of an ice-pack and a few painkillers.
About the lengthy healing time
Implantation is only the foundation of the complete tooth-replacement. It is fitted with an abutment, which serves as a connection point between the implant and the crowns/bridges. Making these replacements only takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the number of units. Therefore, this can’t be the reason why there is such a gap between the implantation and the actual tooth replacement.
Every implant needs a certain period of time to integrate with the jawbone. This process takes up to 3-4 months for normal implants. However, it can be 6-9 months for implants that were added with the aid of bone substitution. By the end of the integration period, the implant becomes part of the body, and will be ready for the next stage.
This next step is the implant exposure, when the abutment is placed on top of to implant. The gum heals around this abutment in 2-3 weeks, and is now ready for the final phase.
Is it really a life-long solution?
Yes, you can forget about ever losing a tooth. We are sure about the success, that’s why we give lifetime guarantee for every dental implant. We also replace them free of charge if they are faulty. However, maintaining a good oral hygiene is still important. Artificial teeth require the same care as natural ones. Brushing twice a day, using mouthwash and dental floss, and seeing a dentist every 6 months. This is all we need to do in order to maintain a beautiful smile.
