Implantation – VivaDens

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small metal screw that is placed into the jaw bone and is designed to replace the root of missing tooth. During 2-6 months after the placement an implant grows into the jaw bone and is used as an anchor for dental crown construction. Implants can replace one or several missing teeth. Also dentures or bridge can be attached to dental implants.

A dental implant is made of biologically compatible materials (usually from titanium) and thus there is no likelihood of causing an antigen-antibody response which could cause rejection similar to that which sometimes occurs with transplants of other organs.

In what cases dental implants are used?

Replacing single tooth

In case you are missing a single tooth, the tooth may be restored by constructing a prosthesis tooth on an implant. By restoring single missing tooth that way, neighboring teeth are saved – they don’t need deep cut preparation for a bridge to be attached to them. A prosthetic crown is attached directly to an implant head and don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. Single tooth restoration on an implant is the most tooth-saving prosthesis method.

Replacing several teeth

Dental implants can be used also in such cases then two or more neighboring teeth are missing. Implants provide necessary support for a dental bridge and thus there is not need to wear removable partial prosthesis. When a bridge is fixed on an implant, an implant absorbs part of masticatory pressure and this way neighboring teeth are saved, meanwhile when wearing removable prosthetic bridge, all force of masticatory pressure is allocated on neighboring teeth, gums and jaw bone. Because of that natural teeth are wearing out faster. Besides, a prosthetic bridge that is attached on an implant is more aesthetic than removal prosthesis because the later is more bulky; less stable and usually metal clasps are seen when smiling.

Replacing all of your teeth

For most people it isn’t convenient to wear removable dentures. Because dentures are affixed to gums, while wearing them, underlying bone eventually changes and as a result dentures lose their fit and need to be relined anew. When one continues to wear improperly fitted dentures, that may result in excessive bone loss. Eventually, jaw bone may change so much that well fitting complete denture can not longer be aligned. If denture is anchored on implants, it is more comfortable to wear, dental implants prevent from jaw bone loss.

IMPLANT PLACEMENT PROCEDURE

The first stage- surgical. During surgical procedure in an aseptic environment gum tissue is cut, uplifted and fixed with threads. Then with special instruments after preparing a bed, an implant is screwed into jaw bone, protective head is placed on it and a cut is closed with surgical threads. In case there is not enough bone, bone augmentation or graft may be done. After about 10 days, threads are taken out and an implant is left for 2-6 months to grow into jaw bone. After 2-6 months under a local anesthesia, a small cut is made, an implant head is taken out and it is replaced by implant-healing cap that is left for 14-18 days. In certain cases an healing cap may be placed during an implant placement procedure.

IMPLANTATION WITH A SURGICAL GUIDE

The first stage - implantation may be performed using a surgical guide according to the needs and requests of clients. VivaDens uses GALILEOS Implant software in which 3D X-ray images of computer-based tomography of Sirona Orthophos XG 3D are in full compliance with CEREC CAD/CAM equipment used by VivaDens that allows to digitally plan the location of future crowns and implants, manufacture a surgical guide, high accuracy of implant placement in a position optimal for prosthodontic works and make prosthetic crowns on them. More on implant guides.

PROCEDURE OF TEETH PROSTHESIS ON IMPLANTS

The second stage - placement of prosthetic crowns or bridges on implants - orthopedic reconstruction phase. It starts 2-3 weeks after healing abutment is attached to an implant. During it especially according to a clinical situation prosthetic porcelain crown is made that is attached to an implant with. In case bridge on implants is needed, it is made from zirconia-ceramics.

After placing an implant:

It is necessary to arrive to take out threads (no later than 10-14 days after an implant placement). In case you won't be able to arrive - please inform your doctor before implant placement.
Keeping your mouth and the exposed parts of your new implants clean is key to successful healing and the long term success of the implants. Follow doctor's instructions.
No later than 4-5 months after an implant placement come to a dentist to attach a prosthetic crown on an implant.
Have professional oral hygiene procedure every 6 months (or as advised by dentist or dental hygienist) and control check-ups at the dentist.

Care of teeth restored on dental implants

During the first year after dental crown is attached to an implant it is necessary to come to your dentist for a check-up every three months, and during the second year and later on – not later than 2 times a year.

Have professional oral hygiene procedure every 6 months (or as advised by dentist or dental hygienist).

In case you don’t sufficiently take care of teeth restored on implants – plaque and bacteria start accumulating and that may cause inflammation of soft tissues surrounding a dental implant. Constant inflammation of tissues may eventually cause rejection of dental implant. To avoid that it is advisable for those who have dental implants at least once a year to undergo professional oral hygiene procedure. For professional care of teeth restored on implants, curretes made out of special material that don’t scratch implant surface are used. Professional oral hygienist without harming gums will clean plaque from a dental implant, will advice how properly maintain care of your teeth and will recommend proper oral hygiene means suitable for teeth restored on implants.

Client’s response

“I am immensely thankful to dentist Ms. Ingrida Ivance for the remarkable work of her center, very pleasant and cozy atmosphere, and my wonderful teeth! At VivaDens I had three implants placed. After the surgical procedure I came out with joy! There is no feeling of being exhausted and barely alive when you go to VivaDens . I chose implants because I wanted true teeth, not a falling, and wobbling prosthesis. I wanted my teeth to look natural and fit my needs to speak, eat and laugh…” /R.C./