implantology

Implantology is a branch of dentistry dealing with the reconstruction of missing teeth, which occurred as a result of caries, trauma or in the case of congenital absence of a bud or buds of permanent teeth. For this, implants are used, on which a prosthetic supplement is then made

When to see an implantologist?

An implantologist should be contacted if the patient has missing teeth. It is worth remembering that the absence of at least one tooth may cause loosening, tilting and displacement of the teeth adjacent to the gap and the tilting of opposing teeth, atrophy of the alveolar process in the place of the lost tooth and gingival recession in the area of adjacent teeth, difficulty eating meals, articulation disorders, and increase the risk of tooth decay and malocclusion. In addition, deficiencies in natural teeth negatively affect the aesthetics of the smile, they can also cause complexes and low self-esteem.

Dental implants are an excellent solution to replace missing teeth without interfering with the adjacent teeth and significantly improve the quality of life.

Implantology - how is the visit going?

Implant treatment is a process that consists of several stages. It requires comprehensive diagnostics and preparation of a detailed plan:

consultations

The first visit to the implantologist is a detailed consultation with a specialist. The doctor conducts an interview with the patient, performs an initial dental examination, orders specific imaging tests, plans treatment, and presents a proposed schedule and cost estimate.

Preparatory treatments

In some patients, preparatory procedures are necessary before implant treatment. This may be, for example, raising the bottom of the maxillary sinus (in patients who have too little bone tissue to implant the implant in the jaw as a result of a low descending maxillary sinus) or restorative procedures of bone tissue that has atrophied.

Implant placement

The next stage of implant treatment is the insertion of the implant. The procedure is safe and, depending on the number of planned implants, it takes from 30 to 60 minutes. After its completion, follow the doctor's instructions for oral care. After 7-10 days, the sutures are removed.

Exposure of the implant

Depending on the place of implantation (maxilla or mandible), osseointegration of the implant takes from 3 to 6 months. After this time, the implantologist completes part of the surgical treatment, exposing the implant and mounting a healing screw on it.

prosthetic works

The next stage is prosthetic treatment. Depending on the number of implants and the type of planned work, the patient should prepare for several visits. The end of the treatment is the attachment of a permanent prosthetic supplement.

 

What after treatment?

After implant treatment, the appearance or functioning of the prosthetic restoration on the implant is no different from the natural tooth. Follow-up visits are recommended every 6 months or at intervals recommended by the doctor, you should attend check-ups.

 

How to prepare for a visit to an implantologist?

1. Gather information about your health and write it down on a piece of paper: the implantologist surgeon will certainly ask you in the interview about general diseases and medications you take on a regular basis.
   
   
2. Think over your expectations and questions, write them down on a piece of paper: the specialist will be able to dispel all your doubts.
   
   
3. Prepare for diagnostics: pantomography or tomography, necessary to assess the conditions for implant placement, selection of their size, quantity and preliminary planning of prosthetic restoration.
   
   
4. Take the results of examinations with you: pantomogram or tomography, even if they were performed several years ago.

What are the contraindications for implant treatment?

Implant treatment is not performed in persons under 17 years of age, in pregnant women, in persons with certain systemic diseases (e.g. advanced osteoporosis, diseases associated with blood coagulation disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, mental), as well as in people with untreated caries and poor oral hygiene.