Implant Surgery
Implant Surgery
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
An implant is a biocompatible titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone and serves as the natural root of a tooth. The implant is used to fix a crown, a bridge or a prosthesis in order to replace one or more missing teeth. The aim is to improve the health, chewing function and/or esthetic appearance of the patient.
Because Dental implants fit, feel and function like natural teeth, they are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement.Dental implants can offer an alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn't fit well and can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots don't allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements.
1. Implant is inserted into the bone | 2. The healing process of the bone begins (ossointegration) | 3. Dental abutment is placed on dental implant | 4. Ceramic crown replacing the real tooth is placed
WHAT IS OSSOINTEGRATION?
After an implant is placed in the jaw, the surrounding bone will grow in contact with the implant surface and attach to it. This process of attachment is called “osseointegration”. The necessary time for osseointegration of the implant is usually 3-6 months depending on the complexity of the case.
IS IMPLANT SURGERY A PAINFUL PROCEDURE?
An effective local anesthetic is used before surgery, so no discomfort is felt as implants are placed. Any mild discomfort that may be experienced after surgery can be controlled with conventional painkiller tablets.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PATIENT DOESN’T HAVE ENOUGH BONE?
In the cases where the patient has deficient bone, bone grafting is routinely performed by a specialist. In the vast majority of the cases, bone may be rebuild, to allow implant placement. Implants require an adequate volume of bone around them as well as a good quality and quantity of gum. All of this may be reconstructed in preparation for implant placement.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A CROWN ON AN IMPLANT AFTER A TOOTH IS LOST?
Once the implant is in place, it requires 2-3 months of healing before you can position a crown on top of it. There are frequent cases where you may extract the failed tooth, place an implant and a temporary crown all on the same day.
DO IMPLANTS NEED MAINTENANCE?
Maintenance is crucial for dental implants as it is for the natural teeth. The patients have to take care of their implants and crowns at the dental office every 3-4 months. Keeping everything clean is the key to a long-term success.
Guided Implant Surgery
Guided Implant Surgery uses cutting edge computer and Computerized Tomography (CT) imaging technology to virtually plan on a software the installation of dental implants. A surgical guide is constructed based on the planning and is used during the surgery to accurately place the implant in the most safe, predictable, and esthetically correct position.