One of the methods of filling in the missing teeth is to place an implant. This is a relatively young technique which allows for the reconstruction of life's activities. At the same time, it most faithfully reflects the natural physiology of the dentition, eliminating the need for periodic replacement of the restoration or special care for proper insertion in the jaw.
Dental implants are a permanent solution. A finished implant consists of a small titanium screw and a crown made of a durable composite. Individual elements are fully biocompatible, resistant to damage or modification. Fixing in the jawbone makes the finished implant durable and performs the same functions as natural teeth.
This method does not require the use of adjacent teeth to support the denture, thanks to which it can be used in people who have bigger gaps in their dentition or the adjacent teeth are weak. In case of traditional dentures, the latter are exposed to significant weakness or even damage.
As a result, a patient who has decided to place a dental implant does not feel any discomfort related to a removable prosthetic filling, and additionally the implant can be treated as any healthy tooth - brushed, floss cleaned, etc.
How does a dental implant look like?
In our dental office in Gdańsk, we start the implant placement process with a general consultation. During the consultation, we examine the general state of the patient's health, the possibility of placing such an implant, and we exclude any possible contraindications.
The most frequent obstacles to implant placement are, among others:
- heart diseases,
- certain bone diseases,
- oncological treatment,
- certain mental illnesses,
- pregnancy.
As a standard, we also perform radiological diagnostics, taking a pantomographic picture. On its basis we assess the condition of bone tissue - its quantity and quality.
In some cases, additional pre-implantation surgery should be performed. This is required by people with a small amount of bone tissue or with its weak structure. Bone augmentation, raising the bottom of the maxillary sinus, bone block transplantation or Piezosurgery are then performed.
The process of implanting dental implants itself consists of two stages - surgical and prosthetic.
The first stage:
consists in creating a small hole in the bone, using special, calibrated drills. Then a screw made of titanium is placed in the hole, which will be the base for the implant. The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes and is carried out under local anaesthesia. After its completion the implant is not visible.
After the screw is placed in the bone, the wound is healed. It usually lasts from 2 to 6 months. During this time, the implant grows with the bone, thanks to which a natural stability is achieved, which is characteristic for living, healthy teeth. Especially during the first weeks of osteointegration, special precautions should be taken to ensure that the healing process is successful.
When the doctor notices that the process of osteointegration is over, he exposes the implant, screws an additional, smaller healing screw and models the gum.
The second stage:
called prosthetic, occurs after about 14 days.
It consists in taking prosthetic impressions, creating a suitable tooth crown and fixing it. The exact colour of the implant is determined by the doctor together with the patient.
After completion of the implantation in our dental office in Gdańsk, dentists indicate good oral hygiene practices, as well as set appointments with the patient to check whether the implant is functioning properly.
