Dental Implant Placement is a reliable method used in the rehabilitation of patients with partial or complete tooth loss. Recently, there has been significant progress in implant-prosthetic treatment. Not so long ago, implants were dedicated to individuals with excellent overall health. Thanks to the advancement of technology and the experience of doctors, this situation is constantly improving.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium screws designed to replace the roots of missing teeth. During a surgical procedure, they are placed in the jawbone, where they serve as anchors for fixed or removable dental prosthetics, in addition to functioning as tooth roots. Dental implants come in various diameters and lengths, allowing the dentist to tailor them to the conditions in the patient’s oral cavity. After the dental implants are placed, there is a period of integration with the bone, which is necessary for subsequent prosthetic restoration.

What does the dental implant placement procedure involve?

Implant treatment involves the creation of a continuous integrated prosthetic restoration in the case of one or multiple missing teeth. The foundation of the restoration is an implant or multiple implants. A dental implant serves as a substitute for the roots of the missing teeth. This procedure, when replacing a single tooth, allows for the preservation of the neighboring teeth in their original form, whereas traditional prosthetic restorations would require grinding down those teeth. The implant is surgically placed deep into the bone. After the procedure, the implant needs to integrate with the bone, which takes approximately 3 to 6 months. Once the process of osseointegration is complete and the dental implant is ready for restoration, a special abutment is attached, onto which a dental crown can be placed.

All-on-four

The All-on-four method is the option of using four implants to support a complete denture. It is a safe and straightforward technique designed for patients with complete tooth loss.

Within this method, a complete rehabilitation is carried out, achieved through the use of immediate prosthetic loading. This technique is effective, provides patient satisfaction, and is applied in many cases where alternative procedures would be more complicated and burdensome for the patient. All – on- four, It is recommended for the majority of patients with complete tooth loss. It is characterized by a short procedure duration and the ability to place a fully customized denture shortly after the procedure.

Dental implants?

Dental implants are dedicated to individuals who have lost their teeth. For doctors, the most important goal is to save every natural tooth of the patient. However, if a tooth is lost or extracted, the dental implant procedure is currently the best solution. Even the most challenging conditions in the oral cavity can now be overcome to utilize a dental implant.

Are there individuals who cannot have dental implants?

Children, whose bones are still growing, are among the group of individuals who cannot have implants. The implanted dental implant, which remains immobile, can hinder the growth of the jaw. If there is an indication for dental implants placement, it is only in the case of adolescents aged 17-18 years. Additionally, individuals with significant health conditions that heavily burden their bodies and prevent them from receiving implants are also ineligible. Another group includes individuals who chronically take steroids.

How is a patient qualified for the dental implants placement procedure?

Anyone who would like to undergo the procedure must first undergo a consultation. After the consultation and diagnostic imaging with a computer tomography scan, the doctor develops a treatment plan. Patients who come to Vivadental Clinic are treated holistically. The doctors not only look at the dental cavities but also the areas of the jaw. By utilizing dental tomography in the diagnosis, the doctor is able to detect and assess all abnormalities within the oral cavity. Then, they proceed with the treatment plan, allowing the patient to have insight into the stages and costs of specific procedures.

What type of anesthesia is used during dental implants placement?

During the implantation procedure, local anesthesia is commonly used. However, there are cases where general anesthesia in the form of analgosedation is employed due to factors such as patient fear or extensive and complex procedures. Such anesthesia is an excellent alternative for individuals who are paralyzed by dental anxiety and desire comfort during the procedure. Analgosedation is a type of general anesthesia where sedative and analgesic medications are administered simultaneously. Under this form of anesthesia, the patient is semi-conscious and cooperative during the procedure, yet does not remember all the events that took place. Implantation surgery under general anesthesia is performed under the supervision of an anesthesiology team. Vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure, and the effects of anesthetics and analgesics can be reversed by the anesthesiologist at any time.

Do dental implants require care?

Dental implants must be treated by the patient as their own teeth. Post-implantation dental implant hygiene does not differ from pre-implantation hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing are important, as well as regular check-ups with the dentist. Regularity in terms of follow-up visits allows for the assessment of the patient’s oral hygiene practices. These check-ups also enable the evaluation of bone health to quickly detect any signs of inflammation or resorption, which can occur in natural teeth as well.

The procedure for tooth restoration is as follows:

1. Implantology Consultation
2. Dental implant placement
3. Osteointegration
4. Implant uncovering and placement of healing abutment
5. Dental impression
6. Delivery of prosthetic work
7. Treatment completion
8. Follow-up visits
9. Postoperative recommendations and care

Team:

Dr n. med. Violetta Szycik Specialist in Oral Surgery, Leader in Implantology Skills	Lek. dent. Małgorzata Piotrowska Specialist in Dental Prosthodontics
Lek. med. Damian Antczak-van Nispen Specialist in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care	Dorota Makarewicz Implantology Assistant