What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is just a screw inserted in the jawbone. The material must be ”accepted” by one’s body, therefore the implant is manufactured from titanium. Once integrated into the bone, a dental crown is attached. If we compare, implants offer higher stability and look more natural than dentures. They are an ideal way to restore the look and function.
When is a dental implant needed?
The implant is the best solution if you have missing teeth. It is stable, long-lasting, and natural-looking. Extensive tooth decay or trauma are the main causes of tooth loss. After tooth extraction, replacing the missing teeth within six months is recommended, as neighboring teeth can shift and occupy the empty space. Often, if the tooth is not replaced in time, orthodontic treatment is required first to realign the teeth. Orthodontic treatment typically takes 1–1.5 years but can last up to 2 years and involves significant additional costs.
SURGICAL PHASE:
Implants are placed under anesthesia in optimal conditions. A sterile cylinder is precisely inserted into a small hole and then covered until fully healed. In some cases, a temporary or permanent crown may be attached during the procedure. For multiple implants, temporary crowns are used so you can immediately enjoy your new smile.
Initially, implants must be protected from bite force until fully fused with the bone, a process that takes 3–6 months and may involve minor discomfort. Your dentist will provide helpful advice during this period.
RESTORATION PHASE:
After healing, we fix crowns and bridges the implants according to the initial personalized plan. Dental bridges are a string of crowns which replace the teeth. Implants are the optimal solution for functional dentition, ensuring stability and even force distribution when biting.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
A dental bridge consists of artificial teeth fixed onto healthy adjacent teeth. While using bridges (crowns) is a less invasive and quicker procedure, it requires the healthy neighboring teeth to be filed down. However, this way you would be loosing healthy dental tissue. Dentures are not fixed, they are removable and often uncomfortable. They are more budget-friendly, dentures can be inconvenient, feel unnatural, and may not provide the stability you dream of. In comparison, dental implants offer a permanent and stable solution for replacing missing teeth.
All-on-4 and All-on-6 systems
The All-on-4 and All-on-6 systems are full solutions for replacing all missing teeth on a dental arch. A fixed bridge is attached to 4 or 6 dental implants. Quick and efficient, these systems do not require an implant for every missing tooth. They offer a convenient and comfortable option for those who want to regain a beautiful and functional smile.
In certain special cases where a patient has lost ALL their teeth a long time ago, and the bone thickness has significantly decreased (lacking sufficient density for the All-on-4 and All-on-6 systems), it is possible to insert 2, 3, or 4 implants, over which a removable (but very stable) denture will be placed. The advantage of this procedure is that the cost is much lower compared to fixed systems. Although the patient receives a denture, it is highly stable, making it a much better alternative to a simple denture.
