Dental implant placement

Dental implantation is a surgical procedure in which an artificial tooth root (implant) is placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. The implant is usually made of titanium, which is biocompatible, allowing it to integrate with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, the implant serves as a solid foundation for a crown, bridge or denture.

The dental implant procedure takes place in several stages:

1. Consultation – the dentist conducts a detailed examination of the oral cavity, and analyses X-rays (e.g., computed tomography) to assess the condition of the bone and plan the exact placement of the implant.
2. Surgery – the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the gum to gain access to the bone and then uses special tools to drill a hole in the bone into which the implant is placed. Finally, the gum is sutured and the implant is covered so that it can integrate with the bone.
3. Osseointegration is the process by which the implant fuses with the bone. It usually takes three to six months. During this time, the patient should regularly monitor the condition of the oral cavity and avoid excessive stress on the implant.
4. Implant exposure – after the completion of osseointegration, the implant is exposed and a treatment screw is placed to shape the gum before the final crown or denture is placed.
5. Fixation of the crown or denture – after the gums have healed, the dentist installs the final crown, bridge or denture that aesthetically and functionally replaces the missing tooth.

Implant placement is suitable for patients who

• Have lost one or more teeth.
• Have a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone.
• Are in good general health without serious chronic diseases.
• Are looking for a permanent solution to replace missing teeth.

The implantation procedure is not recommended in the following cases

• Pregnancy.
• Insufficient quantity or quality of bone tissue (unless an additional bone regeneration surgery can be performed).
• Autoimmune diseases that can affect the healing process.
• Active oral infections or periodontal disease.
• Chronic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can negatively affect the integration of the implant into the bone.