Dental Implantation
Implantation is an effective and modern method of replacing lost teeth.
What is an implant? Essentially, it is a post that replaces the tooth root. It takes the form of a screw that is installed into the jawbone at the site of the original tooth. Implants are made from titanium alloys.
How much time should pass from the moment a tooth is removed to the placement of an implant?
Provided that there are no inflammatory processes in the area of the removed tooth and there is a sufficient amount of bone tissue, an implant can be placed during the same visit.
Otherwise, the tooth is removed, the socket is cleaned, sutured, and healing is awaited. Usually, this takes 4-6 months for the lower jaw and from 6 months for the upper jaw.
What needs to be done before a consultation regarding implantation?
First and foremost, a CT (computed tomography) scan is necessary. Why? So that the doctor can see not only the height but also the thickness of the bone tissue, as well as its type. Based on these data, a decision is made on the implant size, how to place it in the bone, and much more.
How long does implantation take?
It varies individually and depends on each specific case.
What examinations are necessary before implantation?
Typically, a CT scan is requested.
If the patient is diagnosed with diabetes, the doctor may ask for a blood test result to assess the level of glycated hemoglobin (A1C).
Also, the doctor may ask for a report from the family doctor with an exact list of prescribed medications.
So, how long will the entire treatment take?
There are different implantation options. In general, treatment can take from six months to a year (depending on each specific case).
1. Consultation, where a treatment plan is made;
2. Tooth extraction (if there is an inflammatory process or insufficient bone tissue level, then implantation is postponed);
3. Implantation (placement of N number of implants – depends on the consultation);
4. The period of implant osseointegration (from 4 to 6-8 months);
5. After the implants have integrated, gingival formers are installed;
6. Two weeks later, digital impressions (molds) are taken with a special scanner and sent to the laboratory;*
7. After 2-4 weeks, the work is completed.
*If removable prosthetics supported by implants were planned (typically a removable denture for the lower jaw), then the stages of work are somewhat different (classic impressions with alginate, sent to the laboratory, fitting the framework, fitting with the teeth set, connecting the permanent prosthesis).
