Implantology deals with complementing dental deficiencies with implants, i.e. implanting titan screws into spot where teeth were lost.
With us you can regain your smile in a single day. In our clinic you can rebuild the lost tooth immediately – in one day we will implant and rebuild it with an aesthetic crown. This is possible because the Frankowski Dental clinic has its own laboratory equipped with high-quality tools and components.
What’s more, if you suffer from serious dental deficiencies, you can regain full teeth in one day thanks to the revolutionary ALL-ON-4 technique.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants are the most modern and at the same time the most natural solutions when we suffer from deficiencies in the teeth. An implant or a surgical handle, is a small screw, which, after implantation in the jawbone, is designed to replace the tooth root. When this screw stabilizes in the bone properly, the dentist may move into the installation of a porcelain or ceramic crown onto it. The shade of this prosthetic complement can be easily adapted to the natural shade of your teeth. Dental implants are most often made of titanium. Thanks to them, your smile will regain a beautiful glow!
THE TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
In the Frankowski Dental clinic we use the highest quality implantological systems that have been clinically tested in many research facilities and are used by the leading clinics in the world. We distinguish the types of dental implants by the material from which they were made. Titanium is most often used to produce implants. Titanium implants are characterized by exceptional strength and resistance even to strong loads. In addition, titanium displays very good connectivity with bone and soft tissues.
The second type of implant that our clinic offers is the All-ON-4®. This abbreviation means “all teeth on four implants” and it is an exceedingly innovative technique aimed at rebuilding teeth. This method was developed by Dr Paulo Malo and uses Nobel Biocare® implants. It allows our patients to get new permanent teeth in one day and without the need for bone transplantation. On the day of the procedure four implants are implanted into the patient jaw in properly selected places. Then, on the same day, a permanent bridge with full teeth in a smile line is attached to them. This is the so -called temporary bridge, which after half a year is replaces with a reinforced permanent bridge.
What is implantation?
The specially prepared surface of the “screw” allows the development of a biological connection between the implant and the bone of the jaw in the process called osteointegration. This process lasts from 2 to 6 months and is responsible for implant adoption. After this time, it is possible to burden implants with prosthetic works, be it individual crowns, bridges, or dentures. New teeth behave very naturally, the patient can eat and talk freely.
The appearance is very aesthetically pleasing and difficult to distinguish from our own teeth, which we also saved from unnecessary polishing. Depending on the operational conditions, i.e., bone thickness and density, as well as on the proximity of anatomical structures – e.g., nerve course, maxillary sinus position or the positions of neighbouring teeth – we plan the course of the procedure.
The implantation procedure consists of two stages
The surgical stage, i.e., implant insertion into the jawbone. The procedure is carried out in sterile conditions in the operating room, under anaesthesia and antibiotic cover. On request, the patient may undergo sedation or general anaesthesia under the control of an anaesthesiologist. This is followed by the prosthetic stage, i.e., the preparation of prosthetic reconstruction of missing teeth based on precise impressions.
The integration period is affected by the place where the implant was inserted. For the mandible it is about 2-3 months, while for the jaw it is estimated 3-6 months. In some cases, preparation treatments are also necessary to prepare a place for implant, such as lifting the maxillary sinus or bone reconstruction (augmentation) which extend the time of completion of the treatment.
Cosmetic reasons require immediate reconstruction on implants, especially in the frontal section of the teeth. That is why we often insert implants just after removing the damaged tooth, which significantly reduces the waiting time for the final filling of the gap. In some cases, correction using the orthodontic apparatus is necessary to ensure the durability of the prosthetic work.
To properly assess the dental conditions of a patient, we perform computed tomography, producing a spatial image of the jaws. Navigation systems help us plan the distribution of implants, which allows us to perform a wax simulation of the prosthetic reconstruction. We examine the shape and range of work using the so-called facial arch, which helps to determine individual occlusal conditions. This data is then used by technicians during reconstruction in an articulator individually programmed for each patient.
How to prepare for the procedure?
During the first visit, the dentist conducts a general interview with the patient, checks his teeth and assesses the viability of filling dental deficiencies with implants. The basic test that is necessary in the treatment planning process is pantomographic x -ray. In some cases, the doctor may also call for additional tests, such as computed tomography or bone densitometry. Patients who already have a valid pantomographic X -ray photo should take them with them for the first visit. The implantologist will certainly take a new, current photo, but earlier photos are also important for assessing the patient’s teeth. Based on the results of the tests performed, the doctor will then propose possible variants of treatment and, together with the patient, select the best option.
The patient then receives a full treatment plan to read with a detailed cost estimate. The plan can also be discussed with the doctor during the next visit. Once we decide on the treatment method and agree on all the details, the patient is asked to sign a consent form for surgery. This document contains all necessary information on the warranty for implantoprothetic treatment. Finally, we must choose the type of anesthesia (local, anesthesia, or sedation) and determining the date of the procedure.
In the event of the patient additionally suffering from a systemic disease, an implantologist may ask for additional consultation from the attending physician and possible recommendations. In some patients, bone reconstruction may be necessary before implantation. This procedure consists of supplementing bone deficiencies with a special biomaterial in the process of controlled bone and tissue regeneration. In such cases, the implantation treatment must be postponed by about two months.
Does the implant insertion hurt?
The implantation treatment itself, i.e., implantation of the patient’s bone, is painless. As a standard, it is carried out under local anesthesia, however, at the patient’s request, it can be performed under general anesthesia in the presence of an anesthesiologist or sedation. However, we should remember that implantation is still a surgery that interferes with our body. For this reason, after the procedure, the occurrence of swelling and pain or discomfort should be expected. These symptoms can persist up to a few days after the procedure, but this is a completely normal phenomenon. In order to reduce ailments, doctors recommend taking painkillers that will significantly reduce the discomfort experienced by the patient after surgery.
DENTAL IMPLANTS HYGIENE
Dental implants, like our own teeth, require good oral hygiene. The patient must remember to brush their teeth thoroughly and use dental floss as for their own dentition. In addition, as in the case of your own teeth, you should visit the dentist regularly, at least once every six months, for a dental check-up. During such a visit, the doctor assesses the condition of the crowns, implants, and the entire oral cavity. We should remember to undergo hygienization treatments regularly. It should be emphasized here that both the implants and the prosthetic reconstruction are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. However, one of its basic conditions is regular oral hygiene at an appropriate level.
TOOTH IMPLANTS – INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
Indications for implantation are always discussed individually. However, we mainly suggest implants in the following cases:
- A single missing tooth
- Larger interdental gaps of varying extent (this applies to both the mandible and the maxilla)
- The lack of a single bud or several buds of permanent teeth
- A complete absence of teeth in the jaw or the mandible
- Implants meant to increase the number of pillars necessary for installing a prosthetic bridge
- Intolerance of traditional removable prosthetics
Unfortunately, it may happen that a patient cannot be qualified for dental implantation due to their health condition. Such contraindications include:
- periodontitis and poor oral hygiene
- Cancer
- AIDS
- Unstable diabetes resulting in slow wound healing and hindered osseointegration
- Blood disease, e.g., coagulation disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Pregnancy
- the age of the patient under 18 years, as bone development is not yet complete in this case
Additional consultations with the attending physician may be required by patients with the following diseases:
- heart defects, including artificial heart valves
- bone marrow diseases
- rheumatic disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- mental disorders
In addition, it is worth emphasizing that heavy smoking is also a risk factor.
The patient may also have local contraindications related to the condition of the bones and the site of the planned procedure:
- small amount and/or poor quality of bone tissue in the planned surgery area
- insufficient height or width of the mandibular or maxillary alveolar process to accommodate dental implants
- lack of space to place the future prosthetic crown on the implant between the upper and lower teeth
- a large tilt of the teeth, which makes it impossible to insert surgical instruments or make a future crown
- abnormal structure of the mucous membrane in the place where the implantation of the dental implant is planned
HOW MUCH DO IMPLANTS COST?
The price of implantological treatment depends on many factors. These include, for example, the number of implants and their type, the scope of the procedure, and whether it will be necessary to perform additional procedures before inserting the fill-in. In patients struggling with missing teeth for many years, the bone often begins to atrophy, which means that it must first be rebuilt (regenerated) before we start implant prosthetic treatment.
It is also worth noting that the cost of the implant itself (screw) is only part of the expenses. To this we must also add the price of the crown (prosthetic supplement). However, all costs of the implantation procedure will always be presented in detail by the dentist during the implantological consultation.
ARE TOOTH IMPLANTS LONG-LASTING?
Dental implants are most often made of titanium. Thanks to this extremely durable material, artificial roots can perform their function even for 10 – 20 years. The rate of wear of such a dental implant depends on its location. The molars are much more exposed to stress than the front teeth. For this reason, artificial crowns and roots (screws) of these teeth will wear out a little faster. In addition, the durability of the implant is also significantly influenced by proper oral hygiene. It should be remembered that we should care for dental implants in the same way as for our natural teeth.
Thanks to implantological treatments, the patient gains an improvement in occlusal conditions, as well as a very natural appearance. This modern solution ensures great comfort while eating, great well-being and a beautiful smile for many years..
