Implants

The deterioration of teeth can lead to their loss. When a tooth is lost, the best option for replacing it is dental implants. Implants have evolved rapidly in recent years and are now an immediate and safe option for the majority of the patients. They are made of titanium or titanium alloy, a material that is completely biocompatible with the body. The success of the implants is based on their osseointegration, i.e. the creation of close contact with the patient’s jawbone. Osseointegration is influenced by a number of factors including medication, underlying diseases, smoking, etc. Poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, severe form of osteoporosis treated by intravenous bisphosphonates, teeth grinding and severe psychiatric diseases are some contraindications to implant placement.
Implants can restore the patient’s functionality and aesthetics, offering an improved quality of life. Implants have a success rate of 98% in the first 5 years and 82-97% over 15 years.
– Bone Grafting: An important factor in successful implant placement is the quantity and quality of jaw bone. After tooth removal, the underlying bone begins to resorb. This is prevented by immediate implant treatment while increased bone resorption can make future implant placement difficult.
In cases of insufficient bone quantity, the dentist may suggest the use of a bone graft. The bone graft remains in the body for some time and after its incorporation the surgical placement of the implants follows.
Implant Supported Dentures: In jaws with increased bone resorption, it may be impossible to apply (cupping) partial or complete dentures. In these cases, it is possible to place implants to increase the retention of the dentures. The denture is fitted with special recesses that fit the implants completely and are therefore not overturned by the forces of tongue, chewing and speech. In this case, it is also possible to make smaller dentures, especially in the upper jaw (since the palate does not need to be covered as in classic dentures), increasing the patient’s tolerance.