Preparation for placement of dental implants
Preparation for placement of dental implants is a complex process that may require the involvement of more than one specialist. Depending on the specific case, they may participate in this dental procedure maxillofacial surgeon, periodontist, prosthetist, and in some cases even an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, so the following must be done beforehand:
- Comprehensive dental examination – this includes dental x-rays and 3D images to make the necessary models of the teeth and jaw.
- Medical record review - tell the dentist about what diseases you have and what medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplements. In the presence of heart disease or orthopedic implants, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics before the operation to prevent possible infections.
- Treatment plan – it is strictly individual and depends on how many implants need to be placed, the condition of the jawbone and the adjacent teeth.
It is possible to apply for pain relief during the placement of the implants local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. The treating dentist will advise you which option is best. Depending on the choice of anesthesia, what foods and liquids can be taken before the operation should be taken into account. In the case of sedation or full anesthesia, someone should drive you home, where you can rest actively for the rest of the day.
What to expect?
The procedure of placement of dental implants it usually is outpatient surgery, which takes place in several stages, with the necessary healing time between procedures.
Placing dental implants involves the following steps:
- Removal of the damaged tooth;
- Preparation of the jaw bone;
- Bone grafting, if necessary;
- Placement of a dental implant (one or several at the same time);
- Healing and fusion of the implant with the bone;
- Placing artificial teeth;
The entire process from start to finish takes anywhere from a few days to a few months, with most of the time spent healing and fusion of the implant with the jaw.
When is bone grafting required?
If the jaw bone is not thick enough or is too soft, it is necessary to proceed with bone grafting before placing the dental implants. The bone graft will create a more solid foundation for the implant and reduce pressure on the bone during chewing action.
There are two options for bone grafting:
- A natural bone graft from another part of the body;
- Synthetic bone graft – a bone substitute that supports the growth of new bone.
It takes several months for enough new bone mass to form to support the dental implant. It all depends on the condition of the jawbone. In some cases, minor bone grafting is required and is done at the same time as the implant placement surgery.
Placement of dental implants
During the operation for implant placement the oral surgeon makes an incision that opens the gum and exposes the bone. Holes are made in the bone into which the metal stand for the dental implant is placed. The pin will serve as the root of the tooth, so it must be placed deep into the bone.
At this point in the procedure, the gap from the missing tooth still exists, so a partial, temporary denture can be placed for a better aesthetic appearance. It is good to periodically remove this prosthesis for cleaning and during sleep.
Bone growth
After placing the metal implant in the jawbone, it begins osseointegration (the fusion of the bone with the implant). During this process, the jawbone fuses with the surface of the dental implant. It usually takes a few months, but the result is a solid foundation that will hold the new artificial tooth in place, just as roots do with natural teeth.
Placing a support
After the bone has joined the implant, the abutment (the part to which the artificial tooth will eventually attach) must be placed. This minor surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. In our clinic, this procedure is performed with high-energy laser, without the need for anesthesia.
To place the abutment, the gum must be opened again and the dental implant exposed. The coronary tissue is then closed around the abutment, but not over it. You may also save yourself this procedure if you decide to have the support placed when the implant is placed. However, it will stick out above the gum line and be visible when you open your mouth. For most people, such an appearance is unacceptable and they prefer that the support be placed in a separate procedure. After placing the support, wait 2 weeks for the gums to heal and then the artificial tooth can be placed.
Selection of new artificial teeth
After the gums have healed, an impression is taken, which will then be made the crown (artificial tooth). The artificial tooth cannot be placed before the jawbone is strong enough, as it must already support the new tooth.
There are two options for choosing an artificial tooth - fixed and removable.
The replaceable artificial tooth is mounted on a metal frame that is attached to the implant abutment and snaps firmly into place. It can be very easily removed for repairs or daily cleaning.
The fixed artificial tooth is permanently screwed or cemented to the implant abutment. It cannot be removed and cleaned. Each crown is attached to a separate dental implant. However, implants are so strong that several teeth can be replaced with one implant if they are connected in a bridge.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, placing an implant is the best and most aesthetically pleasing alternative when it comes to tooth loss.
At Specialized Bushkalova Dental Clinic (Megadent § MDC Aesthetics) proven specialist implantologists and maxillofacial surgeons work. We have one of the most modern operating theaters in Bulgaria, where operations can be done under complete anesthesia. The clinic is located right in the center of Bulgaria in the beautiful Stara Zagora, so patients from all over the country can benefit from our services. We have special package prices for complete smile restoration.
If you want to learn more about placement of implants feel free to contact us. You can make an appointment for an initial examination and preparation of a treatment plan right now!
