Implantology

What is a dental implant?

The dental implant is the safest, most aesthetic and natural way to replace teeth. The base of a dental implant (a special screw) is surgically placed into the jawbone in order to replace the missing dental roots.

After the screw has become integrated in the bone, a metalloceramic crown or ‘artificial tooth’ is made. Such crown enables the jawbone to be spared that may not be possible with other types of prostheses where only the visible part of the tooth is restored.

It is also possible to use an implant-supported bridge with several artificial crowns.

An artificial root is cast from pure non-allergic titanium that is secured into the bone. Surgery is done in local anesthesia and may last for a couple of hours. An oral surgeon will use special drills to secure the implant into the jawbone.

3-6 months later when the titanium screws have integrated into the bone, the dentist will secure the prosthesis (made by a dental technician) into the oral cavity. In the meantime, the patient will wear a temporary prosthesis.

What are the prerequisites for treatment? First, there should be enough bone in the jaw. One prerequisite of successful treatment is ideal oral hygiene. The patient should be ready to have regular check-ups every 3-9 months. Implant therapy is not age-limited. Thorough investigation such as X-ray imaging and cast model analysis is required before the initiation of treatment.