Implant placement

Implant placement

Dental implants are the ultimate solution for those who have missing teeth. There are various reasons why people miss one or more teeth. The most frequents are if they had an accident, or hereditary reasons, or even if the tooth had to be extracted due to caries. The bridge could be the conventional solution, but to avoid destructing an intact tooth, dental implant is the best way to stop a gap. In cases, when we have to install several implants in the jawbone, they will hold the base abutments together for the prosthetic replacement. After tooth extraction, the affected bone area has to ossify, which takes something like 6 weeks; only after this time can we put the implants.

The surgery

We start the procedure in local anaesthesia. The dentist opens the affected area with a full thickness flap from the bone, and using special burs determines the final depth and the axis in the jawbone. Then we screw the titanium-based implant in the hole, and close the wound with sutures. The bone around the dental implants need to heal about 3-6 months. During this time the implants will fully integrate into the bone. It cannot be loaded during the healing phase. That’s why we use a provisional bridge or denture during this time. The second operation takes place when the implant is completely embedded in the jawbone. Next, we put a small healing cap into the screw through the gum tissue. The gum heals for 3 to 5 days. After this phase we attach the abutments, which will hold the final crown or bridge.

Possible complications

According to statistics, the implants have a 99% success rate. Complications are very rare, but in some cases we can meet certain kind of ossification or bonding problems. The patient can expect swelling, sensitivity and pain. The success of the implants depends on how the patient cleans the screw edges. If the bone becomes infected around the implants the patient can easily loose them.

Postoperative care

After the surgery, the wound should be cleaned with a soft toothbrush. The patient can rinse with Chlorhexamed a few times a day. Applying an ice pack 5-6 times a day is allowed. If necessary, medication for pain-relief is recommended. Antibiotics should only be taken when instructed by the dentist. Sutures will be removed 5 to 7 days later.