implantology is the surgical branch of dentistry that has the role of solving edentation (missing teeth) with the help of dental implants, this being, in most cases, the best solution for a missing tooth or to replace one that can no longer be saved. It is an extraordinary discovery in modern dentistry, which offers a minimally invasive, conservative and long-lasting solution for patients who have lost one, more or even all their teeth. The dental crown on an implant offers a natural look, feels exactly like any other tooth and fulfills the functionality of a natural tooth in proportion of 99%. Also, dental implants can support a fixed procedure in patients who until now had only the option of a mobile dental prosthesis.

1. What happens if the edentulousness is not treated?

In people with missing teeth, in addition to being unsightly, it affects their lifestyle, the way they eat and their social life. These people may experience both physical ailments, such as digestive and nutritional problems, and mental illness, and they usually have low self-esteem. Another consequence is that the neighboring teeth become overworked, which leads to weakening and damage to the bone structure. Bone resorption of the jaw and mandible results in the aged appearance of the face. There may be changes in voice, speech defects, which affect the general condition of the oral cavity and the daily life of the patient.

All of these problems can be remedied by inserting one or more implants. Many times, after completing the implant treatment, we hear from patients that they see their face rejuvenated, that the food tastes different or that they feel much more confident and are much more positive.  

2. But what does it mean to have a tooth on an implant? We will explain to everyone:

Many people confuse the terminology that refers to implants. We will try to explain step by step how you will have a new tooth where there is a lack.

• What exactly is an implant?

An implant is a device 100% biocompatible with the human body, made of various high purity materials such as titanium, ceramic or zirconium, which will be inserted into the bone instead of the extracted teeth. The shape, thickness and length of the screw differ depending on the medical needs of the patient and the manufacturer, but the implantologist will choose the most suitable model for you. An implant insertion operation is a procedure performed under local, painless anesthesia for about 40-60 minutes. The patient can get a temporary tooth in the same session or in a few days, but it will have to be protected, in order to avoid the pressure on the implants and thus the delay of the osseointegration. After 4-6 months it will be inserted into the prosthetic abutment over the screw and the following dental work can be performed: dental crown,, bridge or mobilizable prosthesis.

• Prosthetic abutment (transfer layer)  it is the component that makes the connection between the artificial root and the prosthetic structure. It attaches to the implant after healing and after completion of osseointegration. In this drawing you can see very clearly the way in which the implant and the prosthetic abutment are connected.

The abutment will not be visible after the crown is put on, it will be practically covered with the crown, or the dental bridge or mobilizable prosthesis will be placed on it.

Abutments can be made of many kinds of materials, but most often titanium and zirconium abutments are used. They can be prefabricated or customized, depending on the patient's needs. We recommend zirconium abutment for several reasons: zirconium is a very durable material, which makes this abutment very durable; at the same time it is very well tolerated by patients, being a non-metallic material that does not cause allergic reactions. But most importantly, zirconium is a white material and thus gives the work a natural, long-term look.  

Titanium alloy abutments are also used for their strength, biocompatibility properties and because they are cheaper.

• From what kind of materials can dental crowns be made?

Over time, materials used in dentistry have evolved a great deal. Today's technology allows us to make crowns and dental bridges with amazing precision, extended durability and unmatched naturalness. Dental crown - is generally made of porcelain and zirconium, and is the visible part of the implant. The crown is attached to the implant by screwing or cementing.

Our clinic can offer several options, customized to the needs of each patient.

→ ceramic crown on metal or zirconium support

→ crown entirely made of ceramic E.max

→ multilayer zirconium crown

In Conclusion when we talk about an implant, we must know that it is made up of 2 or 3 components, which form a unitary whole.

There are also two-component implants on the dental market, where the screw and the prosthetic abutment are made of a single piece of material, over which the crown is glued.

They are made of a ceramic material, 100% biocompatible and metal-free, which ensures complete assimilation in the jaw bone and a luxurious aesthetic. This solution has many advantages but it is also the most expensive one.

3. What are the stages of dental implant treatment? What should you expect at Platinum Dental Center?

Because your time and comfort are a priority for us, we try to reduce the number of visits required to the clinic by performing several steps in a single session.

• The consultation is the first step, without which we cannot answer the questions "how much does it cost" and "how long does it take", each patient having individual needs. The first consultation will include a clinical consultation, a radiological consultation based on a CBCT, a diagnosis of the disease, and a 3D intraoral scan. The specialist will discuss with you about your general health, oral health and your needs, after which you will prepare an ideal treatment plan and an alternative. If necessary, your doctor will ask for blood tests to look at pre-existing medical conditions (diabetes, infections, blood clotting, immunity, etc.).
• At the second visit, the specialist will present you with the recommended treatment plan and its estimate and you will have the opportunity to discuss your questions and concerns.
• Before any surgical procedure in the oral cavity, it will be cleaned of infections - professional, complete sanitation will be performed, periodontal pockets will be cleaned and removed, dental caries will be cleaned and filled, and unrecoverable teeth will be removed that maintain infections. The implant is a sterile medical device, the biomaterials (bone graft, membrane, etc.) are sterile and must not be contaminated in any way with pathogenic microbes in the mouth.
• If you do not need other surgeries (eg sinus lifting. Click here ) and the condition of the bone as well as your state of health allows, the implant can be inserted into the maxillary bone. The whole procedure is done under anesthesia, so the patient will not feel any pain during the procedure, possibly a little discomfort after the anesthetic effect passes. If possible, you will receive a temporary prosthetic work, if not, then you will receive a healing screw or a gum modeling screw and the operation will be sutured.

• You must follow your doctor's instructions, administer your prescribed medications, have impeccable oral hygiene, and check yourself. For more information read in this post.
• The time until it heals varies, between 4-8 months, and it depends on your ability to osseointegrate the implant. The stability of the implant in the bone, immediately after insertion, is crucial for the success of the treatment. This immediate stability is called primary stability and is purely mechanical in nature. After a few months, bone grows on the surface of the implant, completely enclosing it. Thus, mechanical stability is transformed into biological stability, called osseointegration. Vitamins D3, Ca, C, K2 can speed up this process.  
• After the bone healing, the prosthetic work will be attached to the implant, as follows: the initial digital scan and the one made after the healing will be sent to the technician. It accurately mirrors the anatomy of the tooth, will design and perform prosthetic work with high-performance devices and CAD / CAM technology
• The doctor attaches the crown, bridge or abutment prosthesis by cementing or screwing. Pictured: the all-on-4 system from Nobel Biocare.

• The success of the treatment cannot be guaranteed long-term without impeccable oral hygiene, by the patient at home, but also periodically, professionally, with special instruments and equipment, at the doctor.

Dental implants are the most effective alternative for missing teeth with a success rate of 95-98% over a period of 10 years. The success of the treatment is based on scientific evidence and clinical results for more than 50 years. The procedure is a long-term economic one, safe, painless and with remarkable functional and aesthetic results, being an advantageous investment in your health.

The experience of the implantologist is from our point of view very important, and at Platinum Dental Center you will find both a dentist specializing in implantology and a specialist in oral and dento-alveolar surgery, each with over 10 years of experience in implantology and surgery, with a few thousands of dental implants inserted and with dozens of advanced training courses nationally and internationally. So we recommend that you come to Platinum Dental Center with confidence, if you want to regain your oral health, self-confidence and bright smile.