12 frequently asked questions about dental implantation

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

What determines the cost of this operation, how it goes, what are the contraindications - everything you wanted to know about dental implantation.

What are implants and how is implantation different from other methods of dental restoration?

In simple terms, an implant is an alternative to a dental root. As a rule, these are products made of titanium: the material has been well studied and has been used in various fields of surgery for over 100 years.

Each implant model has its own system for attaching the tooth to the titanium "root". Fastening is carried out using screws, adapters (abutments or titanium bases) and cement.

Unlike simple removable and bridging prostheses, implants do not affect the adjacent teeth and allow the correct transfer of the load to the bone tissue.

Bone loss (which inevitably occurs when wearing removable dentures) leads not only to aesthetic consequences - a decrease in the height of the face, folds in the corners of the mouth, and so on - but also to digestive problems due to weakening of muscles and a decrease in chewing efficiency. Implants can be positioned based on the individual characteristics of your dentition, without disrupting the function of chewing and speech.

In addition, implant-supported teeth are generally more durable and reliable. However, there are always exceptions, and in some situations, removable or bridge restorations will be preferable. What exactly suits you, the specialist will determine.

Are there any contraindications and limitations for the placement of implants?

As with any surgical intervention, there are also some contraindications. They usually overlap with contraindications for outpatient tooth extraction. That is, if you cannot have your teeth removed, then implants cannot be installed. So, this method is impossible or undesirable:

• with intolerance to anesthetics;
• with serious cardiovascular diseases;
• with diabetes mellitus in a progressive form;
• after radiation therapy in the head area;
• in the presence of infections in the oral cavity;
• in connection with taking certain medications;
• during a cold or severe stress.

As for age, implantation is not recommended for young patients, since they have not yet fully formed the bones of the facial skull, in particular the jaw. For everyone, this process proceeds differently, but on average it is completed by the age of 16-18. For older people, there are no age restrictions as such, it all depends only on the state of health.

How much does implant placement cost?

How much does the vacation cost? It depends on where you are resting: at your dacha or in Bora Bora. So it is with implantation. The total cost depends on many factors and primarily on related procedures, which are prescribed based on the state of the oral cavity of a particular patient.

For example, you may need caries treatment on adjacent teeth or bone augmentation surgery because there is not enough bone for the implant to function. Therefore, the doctor will be able to announce the cost of implantation in your case only after personal consultation and drawing up an individual treatment plan. And only then can you analyze the offers of different dental clinics and make an informed decision.

Just comparing the options for the price of the implant, you are likely to find out the meaning of the proverb "Overseas, a heifer is a half, and a ruble is transported."

What questions to ask the doctor at the first consultation?

At the first visit to the implant surgeon, it is important to clearly clarify for yourself all the moments of the upcoming treatment. Of course, a good specialist will explain everything himself, but you can also set the right direction with your questions.

What would you recommend me to cure?

You shouldn't go to the doctor and demand from the doorway that he fix this particular tooth for you. To prevent future disappointments, it is important to have a complete treatment plan for your entire oral cavity, not just fix the blemishes visible when you smile.

What other specialists should I contact?

It is possible that your situation will be handled by a group of doctors. And this is a common practice. For example, if you have an incorrect bite, you should first contact an orthodontist. By violating the stages of treatment, you yourself will create problems for yourself in the future: it will be much more difficult and more expensive to correct the same bite with already installed implants.

What will be included in my treatment plan?

What procedures, what costs will be required, how long each stage will take in time, will there be any inconveniences and restrictions later - it is important to clarify every detail. And, of course, find out all the risks: will you be provided with a guaranteed result or is this some kind of experimental treatment?

You have to find out the opinion of the doctor, but it is useless to persuade him. If in doubt, go for a consultation with another specialist, or better, two.

How long after tooth extraction can an implant be inserted?

You can pull out a tooth and put an implant in this place in one visit. True, provided that in the operated area, and indeed in the oral cavity, no infectious processes occur (no periodontitis, periodontitis, abscess, and so on). Otherwise, it is necessary to eliminate them and wait 2-3 months, otherwise the likelihood of complications is high.

What examinations do you need to undergo before implantation?

If you can have a tooth extracted, then you can get an implant. This is not some special procedure that requires a large list of tests. Therefore, as a rule, only a CT scan is required. An exception is if you have not been examined for a long time, and "everything hurts" for you. Then go to a therapist first and solve your general health issues.

Of course, the implantologist needs to be informed about all your medical conditions and medications. Before the first consultation, do not be lazy to draw up a complete list of medications and injections that you have been prescribed in the last six months.

In the case of serious diseases (problems with the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus, oncology), consultation and the conclusion of a specialized specialist are required. Without this, the matter will not go further than a conversation with an implantologist.

How is the implantation procedure itself going?

First, your doctor will give you anesthesia. In most cases, not the entire jaw is frozen, but only a small amount of tissue. This is enough for you to have no pain during the operation. The most that can be unpleasant is cheek pulling and vibration. If you do feel pain, tell your doctor right away.

Once the anesthesia is effective, the specialist makes an incision and exposes the bone, then prepares the seat with a series of special drills and installs the implant. After that, a plug is placed (a screw that protects the internal structure of the artificial root) and sutures are applied.

It can take about 10-15 minutes to install a single implant. However, this does not mean that you will spend only a quarter of an hour in the clinic: it takes time to prepare the patient for the operation and the effect of anesthesia. Follow-up shots and a cold compress should be taken after the operation. Considering all these organizational aspects, you will most likely stay at the clinic for at least one and a half hours.

Can multiple implants be installed at once?

It is not only possible, but also necessary. Fortunately, there are no restrictions on the number of implants placed in one visit, even if the missing teeth are located on different sides of the jaw. In this case, you will have to postpone only one rehabilitation period, take one course of drugs. You will return to normal faster, and most importantly, the duration of your treatment will be shortened.

It is wrong to install one implant per week, since each operation is stressful for the body. In addition, you will have to take special medications for a long time to avoid complications (antibiotics, pain relievers), which also may not have a very beneficial effect on your health.

What are the limitations after surgery and how long does the recovery process take?

The limitations are absolutely the same as after tooth extraction:

• Refrain from additional stress: heavy physical exertion, psychological strain, responsible intellectual work.
• Avoid hot, cold and solid foods for the first three days.
• For the first few days, try not to injure the operated area: do not chew food on this side, do not brush this place with a toothbrush, and so on.

Also, so that infectious complications do not arise, you will need to take anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs that the doctor will prescribe. However, despite the similar limitations, you will feel better after the implantation than after the tooth extraction.

What complications can there be?

A number of complications can arise after implantation. Some of the symptoms are quite natural and shouldn't scare you:

• spontaneous pain on the first day after implantation;
• pain when pressing on the operated area in the first 72 hours;
• an increase in temperature on the first day (up to 38 ° C).
• increasing edema in the first three days (as a rule, on the third day it is maximum, but subsides by the fifth or sixth day).

It is worth sounding the alarm and immediately running to the doctor if:

• high fever lasts more than 24 hours;
• after three days, painful sensations are disturbed (spontaneous or when exposed to the operated area);
• the swelling does not subside or increases within a week.

How do I care for my implants?

Regular care of your implants is just as important as your own teeth. Thorough daily hygiene of the entire oral cavity and regular visits to the dentist are required (at least twice a year).

At the same time, personal hygiene has its own characteristics. In addition to the usual and obligatory tools (toothpaste, floss, rinse aid), you should start using an electric brush and an irrigator (a device that removes food debris from hard-to-reach places due to the pulsation of water).

Also, do not forget about professional cleaning every six months. At the same time, remember that implants require special tools and consumables, and be sure to warn the specialist before the procedure that you have artificial teeth.

How long will the implants last?

In case of successful engraftment and with proper care, the implants will serve you for several decades. Some optimists even promise a lifetime warranty, but this is a moot point: there is no real confirmation that the implants have served a person for 50 or 70 years. And it is difficult to imagine an actively practicing surgeon with more than 50 years of experience - what then is such a guarantee based on?

In addition, your jaw system will continue to wear out, your bone tissue will deteriorate, and the implants themselves will be affected. Of course, all this does not happen quickly, so it is important to monitor the state of the oral cavity and visit the implantologist for a follow-up examination at least once a year.