Dental implants are screw-like devices that are placed in the jaw bone and are used for the replacement of one or more lost teeth in order to improve the health, chewing function and aesthetics of the patient. They are commonly made of titanium. Although there are some metal-free zirconium implants the long-term performance of these implants is not yet well studied.
The placement of a dental implant is followed by a series of biological reactions which leads to the formation of new bone around the implant and the integration of the implant to the jaw bone (osseointegration). The loss of one or more teeth is a form of impairment and dental implants are usually the perfect solution for dealing with this impairment. They have many advantages compared to other solutions. For example the alternative solution for the replacement of one missing tooth is the fabrication of a dental bridge utilizing neighbouring teeth, a procedure that involves preparation (grinding) of these teeth. On the contrast the use of an implant with an implant-retained crown (prosthetic tooth) is considered to be a less invasive solution as it is an independent structure, the longevity of which is not affected by its neighbouring teeth. Also in the cases of multiple missing teeth, fewer implants can be utilized for the replacement of more teeth.
Fabrication of a bridge using neighbouring teeth for the replacement of a missing tooth
Replacement of a missing tooth with a dental implant and with intact neighbouring teeth
Replacement of three missing teeth with two implants and a three-unit implant-supported bridge
Rehabilitation of an edentulous jaw with four implants
Various high-quality materials are used for the fabrication of implant restorations. Metal ceramic or all-ceramic restorations like zirconium restorations are used. Acrylic or other polymer materials may also be used in other cases.
Success rates of implant therapies are particularly high (90-95%). The long-term success of implants is of course dependent on a series of factors like the experience and the high-level training of the surgeon, the meticulous oral hygiene measures followed by the patient and the adherence to an individually tailored dental maintenance programme. Special attention should be paid to individuals who lost their teeth or suffer from periodontitis. These individuals have in comparison with the others, increased risk for complications and should be treated accordingly prior to and after implant therapy.
Dental implants are cleaned in the same way as natural teeth. It is very important to clean around and between implants or between implants and teeth with special interdental brushes and dental floss.
Implant placement is usually done with local anaesthesia which is enough for the procedure to be done with no major discomfort for the patient. Any discomfort felt after the procedure can be effectively controlled with common anti-inflammatory drugs/painkillers. The healing period for dental implants differs from case to case and is from 6-8 weeks to 6 months. In some cases and under specific circumstances the restoration can be delivered the same day (immediate loading).
Smoking and implants: Although implants are used with high success rates in smokers, smoking cessation is highly recommended by our team prior to implant therapy since smoking increases the risk for some complications, particularly in cases where special additional surgical procedures are implemented for the optimization of implant sites (i.e. guided bone regeneration).
In our clinic we are strictly adhered to the most contemporary well documented implantology protocols. With a high level of expertise in implantology we are using high quality equipment and materials. Pre surgical high definition three dimensional digital assessment, digitally driven implant placements, bone regeneration procedures, immediate implant loading where indicated, digital workflows with the implementation of intra oral scanners and cad cam restorations are some of the commonly used procedures in our state of the art equipped clinic always following high standards for hygiene and sterilization procedures. We always discuss with our patients and provide the best possible solution for everyone.
