Dental implants

A dental implant is a small screw that is surgically implanted in the bone of the patient’s jaw or jaw, in place of a missing tooth.

An implant is usually made of titanium or zirconium oxide and functions as a replacement for the root of a tooth. The implant provides the foundation for a future prosthetic restoration, such as a crown, bridge or fixed denture. A tooth implant helps restore the aesthetic appearance of a smile, but also helps maintain a healthy bone structure and prevents bone loss.

The main components of a dental implant are:

• Root part (implant proper) – implanted into the bone, replaces the natural root of the tooth. Made of biocompatible material that is well tolerated by the body and promotes the process of osteointegration – fusion with the bone,
• Abutment – a component that connects the root part of the implant to the prosthetic crown. It is attached to the implant after the healing period,
• prosthetic crown – the visible part of the tooth that is attached to the abutment. It can be made of various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic or composites, which perfectly mimic the appearance and color of natural teeth.

Dental implants are considered the most permanent and effective solution for people with missing teeth. They improve chewing function, smile aesthetics and the overall comfort of the patient’s life.

There are different types of implants that can be used depending on the individual needs of each patient. The choice of a particular type of implant depends on a number of factors, including the condition of healthy bone tissue, the position of the teeth, the patient’s overall health, expectations and abilities.

The differences between the implants concern:

• the material from which they are made – there are titanium implants (well tolerated by the body) and ceramic implants made of zirconium oxide (shade similar to natural teeth),
• shape and size – screws, cylinders and spirals from 2 to 6 mm in diameter,
• phasicity, or the required stages of treatment – single-phase implants (placed on the implant immediately after implantation) and two-phase implants (installed after the screw has fused with the bone),
• Duration of use – temporary implants (placed for the time the screw fuses with the bone) and permanent implants (placed permanently after the gum has healed),
• patient’s needs and expectations (e.g., oral and bone condition) – long-term edentulousness is associated with bone atrophy, in which case tooth implant placement may require bone grafts or a sinus floor lift. Both procedures can be avoided by using special longer zygomatic implants.

Implants are used in a variety of situations, most notably:

• single missing teeth – an implant allows you to replace a tooth, leaving the adjacent healthy teeth intact (no grinding required)
• numerous cavities – dental implants can be used to support dental bridges, replacing several missing teeth.
• Total edentulousness – implants can be used to support fixed dentures (Full arch on 4/6), providing greater stability and comfort.

The tooth implant procedure is a complex process that usually involves several visits to the dentist.

• Initial consultation – the patient makes an appointment for an initial consultation with the dentist. The doctor performs a detailed examination of the patient’s mouth and teeth. Precise diagnostic imaging (e.g., CBCT scan) is also performed to assess the condition of the bone and decide whether the patient is eligible for implants.
• Development of a detailed treatment plan – if the patient is qualified for implants, the doctor discusses the treatment plan, risks and benefits of the procedure. If the plan includes any oral procedure necessary for bone atrophy (e.g., sinus lift, grafting), it will prolong the entire procedure. The treatment process can be shortened by usingzygomatic implants.
• Implant placement – the procedure is performed under local anesthesia (zygomatic implants usually require general anesthesia). A small incision is made in the gums to expose the bone and make a hole in it into which the dental implant will be inserted. The implant is placed in the hole and the incision is sewn up. The implant is then said to be successfully inserted.
• Healing and integration – after implant placement, several months (usually 3 to 6) are required for the jawbone to fuse with the implant in a process called osteointegration. During this time, temporary restorations (crowns, bridges, dentures) are used.
• Attaching a special abutment – once the implant is fully integrated into the bone, the dentist places a piece that will connect the implant to the crown. It is usually necessary to make a small incision.
• Fixing the crown – after the gums around the abutment have healed, the dentist will try on and then fix the final crown of the tooth.
• Follow-up and care – after treatment, a long-term evaluation of the treatment performed is recommended.

The implant procedure itself usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The time may vary depending on the specifics of the case and the procedure used. The healing process required before a permanent prosthetic restoration can be applied usually takes 3 to 6 months.

In the case of the so-called immediate implantation techniques, it is possible to place an implant right after a tooth extraction. Not every patient qualifies for such a procedure.

After tooth implant surgery, the patient should strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations for diet and oral hygiene.

Among the most common post-surgical tips are:

• Refraining from exercise for several days after the procedure,
• Regular check-ups with the dentist,
• maintaining oral hygiene,
• giving up the sauna, sunbathing, swimming pool (until the swelling goes down).

• They look and function like natural teeth,
• They replace the missing tooth root and protect the jawbone from atrophy,
• allow the adjacent teeth to remain healthy,
• provide stability and comfort,
• allow for the restoration of full chewing function and recovery of biting power,
• are long-lasting and require no special care other than standard oral hygiene

Dental implant placement is an advanced procedure that can bring many benefits to patients with missing teeth. It is important to note that there are certain contraindications that may prevent the procedure from taking place. Among them are:

• certain systemic diseases – including diabetes, heart disease, uncompensated thyroid conditions and severe varieties of osteoporosis,
• Cancer – patients undergoing oncological treatment or a history of cancer,
• Blood clotting disorders – due to the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure,
• insufficient bone tissue – bone regeneration surgery may be necessary,
• Poor oral health – gum disease, inflammation and advanced tooth decay must be treated before implants are placed,
• pregnancy and lactation,
• others, including mental illness, bruxism, smoking.

The cost of a tooth implant and the entire implant treatment can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of implant, the material from which it is made, the need for additional procedures and the type of prosthetic restoration method chosen. For standard tooth imp lants, the price of implanting a single screw at Focus Clinic starts at PLN 1,900.