Implants are the most reliable and modern way to restore a lost tooth. Outdated systems of removable bridges and prostheses will never be able to provide the degree of reliability and convenience that implant technology offers.
Simply put, a dental implant replaces a lost tooth root with an artificial tooth, although many still believe it is an artificial tooth.
The implant is implanted into the bone in place of the missing tooth, and then an abutment is installed – a periosteal element and a dental crown are fixed on it.
Dental implants in their almost modern form were invented relatively long ago – the first successful dental implantation was carried out in 1965. Interestingly, Gesta Larsson, the first patient, lived with implants until the end of his life – more than 41 years.
Since then, modern implants and implantation technologies have greatly improved, but the general principle of their work has remained unchanged.
These are intraosseous systems having a root form. It is a cone with a screw thread. And in our time, this type of implant is used in leading clinics.
There are also outdated designs – plate-shaped intraosseous implants and combined intraosseous implants. And these constructions should be used outside our time. There are also special designs that are used exclusively for clinical indications.
Now they are introducing high-tech implants, which have yet to be very common, but the future belongs to such systems. They eliminate the need for a bone plate, have a maximum surface area and an even higher likelihood of engraftment, and immediately make fixing a permanent crown possible.
So, the patient has finally decided on implantation, which is right since this is the most reliable solution to the problem of a lost tooth or teeth today. How does everything happen?
A computed tomogram is made to determine the parameters of bone tissue and the location of channels with nerve trunks, and based on this analysis, an implantation system and treatment methods are selected. Next, a phased plan is drawn up, and the time and cost of each stage are calculated.
This stage is unnecessary, but if the study showed that preparing the bone for implantation is necessary, then this procedure is carried out.
The implant is directly installed – this manipulation is carried out under local anesthesia. Usually, the procedure is short – one implant takes about 10 minutes. After the patient receives recommendations for oral care.
It is usually carried out 10-14 days after implant placement. The procedure is fast and completely painless. Takes at most 10 minutes.
After three-four months, a gum shaper is installed in the accustomed implant for a week.
The next step is to take impressions for the future crown. For maximum accuracy, a 3D scanner is used for this.
The last stage is the fixation of the fabricated crown. After that, the new artificial tooth will look and function no worse than the real one.
The implant cannot be placed in one day. As an exception, there is a rapid implantation system, but it is associated with some limitations. It takes several months from the start of work to the installation of the crown.
But the result is worth it. The patient receives a full-fledged tooth that is functional, looks perfect, does not hurt or even bother, and will last a very long time.
Dental bridges and removable dentures are still used in dentistry, sometimes because of economy, sometimes because patients are afraid of the implant operation itself, and sometimes because of contraindications, but, of course, these methods are much less reliable and modern than implant installation.
Advantages of implants:
High chewing potential. The reliability of a bridge or crown is much less than an implant, so when installing them, you need to avoid an extensive list of products. With implants, you eat everything just like natural teeth – without restrictions.
Cosmetics. A dental implant fits perfectly into dentition, and it is almost impossible to distinguish it from native teeth, which cannot be said about dental bridges.
Durability. A quality implant placed by a good implantologist will likely last you a lifetime. Yes, it has a 10-year warranty, but statistically, it lasts much longer. This is a radical solution to the problem, and you can no longer remember about it. Both bridges and crowns last only a short time.
Preservation of neighboring teeth. An implant is a universal and autonomous design, but to install a bridge, you have to grind down adjacent teeth and increase their load.
Natural sensations – after the final installation of the implant, you will not feel it in your mouth, as is the case with removable dentures, which take a long time to get used to.
The benefits continue – only the main ones are listed here, and if you have questions, you can consult Starrett City Dental.
Of course, it is best to entrust the choice of an implant to a doctor, but we will bring you up to date with what implants are and how they differ. It is worth mentioning right away that our Starrett City Dental clinic will not work with non-certified and low-quality implants, and consider that clinical conditions often determine the choice of an implant.
With the traditional method, the longest process is the engraftment of the implant – it can be 3-6 months. If bone grafting is required before implantation, then this adds a little more time. Generally, all stages will take a maximum of 9-12 months, but usually much less. There is also a technique of express implantation. The installation time of one implant using this technique is no more than 20 minutes; a temporary prosthesis can be installed on it on the same day or after a few days, and a permanent prosthesis can be installed in 7-10 days. After that, implantation can be considered complete.
The myth that the installation of an implant is painful and dangerous has existed for quite a long time, but at the same time, it has nothing to do with reality. The installation is done under local anesthesia, and you will not feel any pain. The mechanical work of the doctor will be handled slightly as in conventional dental treatment.
If you are terrified of dental manipulation, you can get additional local anesthesia with sedation, putting you in a half-asleep state.
When a high-quality system is installed by an experienced implantologist (Starrett City Dental uses only such systems and experienced specialists work), implants are very likely to last you a lifetime. The warranty period for the installed implant is ten years. Still, in most cases, the actual service life of implants is many times greater than the warranty period.
The important point is that the bone tissue does not have time to atrophy. The optimal period for the installation of implants is still 3-5 months after tooth extraction. During this time, the jaw bone is completely restored, and the wounds heal, so the risk of postoperative complications is minimal.
Ideally, implants, once placed, can remain in the body for the rest of your life. Manufacturers recommended their exchange after 10-15 years for older generation implants, but today you can count on a longer service life.
The average time for an artificial root to take root for the lower jaw is 2-3 months and 4-6 months for the upper jaw if the process goes without complications.
The main symptoms that the implant will not take root:
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