One of the most effective methods of tooth replacement – providing excellent long-term results both functionally and aesthetically – is the implantation of a dental implant. There is no other solution that would ensure the natural dentition in such a suitable condition and would enable such an improvement in the quality of life.
The course of the dental implant restoration
The dental implant itself is actually nothing more than a biocompatible screw serving as a tooth root. A so-called superstructure is placed on top of this, which then holds a crown or bridge that replaces the visible part of the tooth(s). In order for the result to be permanent, it is necessary to wait for the dental implant to properly integrate into the jaw bone, so that the ossification process takes place. In most cases, this means 3-4 months, but if a bone replacement was also necessary – because there was no adequate bone stock in the jawbone – then it is usually 6-9 months.
Once this healing time is over, liberation can follow. During the release, we insert a gingival shaping screw to form the final gingival contour, thereby ensuring the perfect closure of the subsequent denture. This is removed from the mouth after 2-3 weeks, and after that there is really nothing left but the “crowning” of the denture.
Replacement of one or more teeth with an implant
The good news is that one or more missing teeth can be replaced with implants. In such cases, depending on the amount and location of missing teeth, some implants may hold a multi-unit bridge or even an entire row of teeth. For example, all-on-4 dentures means that the implantation of four special implants enables the creation of a fixed bridge even in patients who do not have adequate bone stock, and the implantation of a traditional implant was not possible.
During the first consultation, after the oral examination and imaging diagnostic examination, it becomes clear what the most optimal solution is for the given patient, and based on this, we draw up the personalized treatment plan, which includes the necessary interventions, their sequence and timing.
One or more interventions may be required
The main difference between dental implants can be seen primarily in the superstructure and the phases of installation. In all cases, dental implantation is part of a series of multi-stage interventions. At the same time, it also depends on the type of implant, whether the implantation itself takes place during one or more office visits.
In the case of a single-phase dental implant, there is no separate ossification process, which must be waited until the superstructure is installed: this includes the implant placed on the jawbone (subperiosteal) and the implant passed through the jawbone (transosteal).
The most commonly used type is the two-phase dental implant built into the jawbone (endosteal). Here, after the already mentioned few months of ossification, we install the superstructure. Regarding the method of fastening, we can talk about the form of a screw, blade or cylinder. The screwing can be dense, rare, double-threaded, wide or even narrow.
The titan dental implant is the most common
In addition to titanium, the biocompatible material of the implant can be tantalum, zirconium, niobium or platinum, but these are rarely used. The material of the coating plays a key role in the ossification process: the implant can be sandblasted, acid-etched, microgrooved or hydroxyapatite coated. The superstructure can also be made of titanium or even zirconium.
Forms of dental implant implantation
We can talk about temporary dental implants, which are especially practical during ossification and serve to relieve the load. There is immediate dental implantation, when the implant is implanted immediately after tooth extraction – but this requires adequate bone stock. The Swiss implant (IHDE) is used when a large angle of inclination is required to relieve the load on the bone tissue.
If the bone stock justifies it and bone replacement is not possible, basal dental implantation can be used, when the implant is placed in the strongest part of the bone, with horizontal and vertical fixation for the most lasting result. In laser tooth implantation, as the name suggests, we use a medical laser to spare the gum tissue.
If you are interested in dental implant replacement, request an appointment for a consultation!
