What is a dental implant and how does it work?

When do we use dental implants and why?

As a modern technology, with dental implants, we can restore your missing teeth without needing to grind down adjacent teeth (crown & bridge) or employ traditional dentures.

With dental implants, we can achieve functional and full aesthetic rehabilitation. You will smile with confidence once again. No other dental procedure can give you a more natural look or anchor dental crowns more securely.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw, a certain type of metal accepted by the human body, used in a wide range of surgical rehabilitation.

The dental implant is inserted into the jawbone, and with time, the bone intregrates with the implant surface, a process called osseointegration, firmly anchoring the dental implant.

A dental implant is an artificial replacement of a root that supports fabricated dental crowns and bridgework.

Implants are placed in the original place of missing teeth, which after healing and completion of prosthetic dental work, fully resemble function of natural teeth.

Prosthetic restorations on implants are very natural, and resemble natural aesthetic and functional characteristics. Rehabilitation of missing teeth highly improves quality of life, speech and aesthetic appearance. At our clinic, we apply three types of implant systems of the at most quality, prices vary depending on brand and guarantee terms of manufacturer.

Lower implant supported bridge

A complete arch of implant supported dental bridge restoration supported only by dental implants. Dental restorations involving full arch implant supported work require a minimum of 8 implant placement in the lower jaw, four implants to the front and two on each lateral side, just above the mental nerve exits.

After examination of osseointergration with the assistance of a panoramic X-ray image taken 3 months following implantation surgery, abutments and final crowns are fitted. Implant supported bridges are both functional and aesthetic dental prosthetic restorations.

Upper implant and bar supported prosthesis

An implant and bar supported prosthesis is a denture, supported by dental implants. Ideal for patients who have lost all of their teeth and have been wearing dentures for an extensive period.

Due to the loss of teeth the maxillary arch recedes with time, the upper lip and nasal creases deepen causing an 'old looking' effect. The fitting of regular palate supported dentures with recession may become a problem for patients wearing dentures for longer periods of time.

implant supported prosthesis restorations require placement of 6 dental implants, to achieve a long term success. The advantages of implant supported dentures are;

a)      Securely fixed dentures allow the patient to speak and chew normally, due to the secure grip of the clips of the metal housing.

b)      Reduced area of palatal plate, providing better comfort and intense sensory functions.

With acrylic gum restoration

a)      Restoration of lost bone elevation, lifting the upper lip line to allow for a smoother, younger look.

b)      The ideal length and shape of teeth can be selected for aesthetic purposes.

Internal sinus lift

In the area of the maxilla, above the molar region a part of the sinus cavity is arched over the molar teeth.  In certain cases only a very thin layer of bone, only a few millimetres in width separates the roots of teeth found in the maxilla and the floor of the sinus cavity. Individual width measurements can range from a few millimetres to about one and one half of a centimetre. Should the situation arise for the extraction of molar teeth, with passing of time, the width of bone decreases between the sinus cavity and the formed membrane surface at the extraction site. This breakdown or absorption of the bone is due to absence of general function, chewing and grinding up food. With the more time elapsing following extractions of molar teeth, the thinner the bone of the sinus cavity will become. In more fortunate cases, given that the general volume of bone was adequate in width, with no evidence of breakdown of bone due to osteoporosis, the remaining bone volume might be suitable for dental implant placement. In less fortunate cases, the remaining bone volume is not adequate to hold even the shortest and smallest size of dental implants, the elevation of the sinus becomes necessary to expand bone volume to hold dental implants securely withstanding pressure applied. According to bone volume and quality, implant placement surgery can take place simultaneously with sinus lift procedures, or six months after sinus elevation and ossification of bone.  During a sinus elevation procedure, osteotomy is performed on the lateral maxillary wall, the sinus membrane is elevated and the space then is filled with bone graft material.  Dental implants are placed in area of elevation, implants heal with bone material ossificating with its environment. Sequential to healing, the utilization of dental implants is identical to implants placed without sinus lift elevation intervention.