DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implant is an artificial replacement of the root of the tooth. It is made from an alloy of titanium and zirconium. The implants are biologically compatible with human tissue, therefore, after some period of time, they are fully integrated in the jawbone. Visually, a dental implant looks like a small screw that is driven into the jaw bone. in 2-4 months, when the implant has been integrated into the bone, the dental crown, a bridge or a removable prosthesis can be fixed onto it. Various types of implants are available on the market nowadays. The best dental implants of Swiss and German manufacturers (Straumann Ankylos etc.) are used at the round-the-clock service practice of Dr. Julija Katkevica.

Prompt insertion of a dental implant is crucial after losing natural teeth, because insufficient load on the jaw bone may result in the loss of bone volume, which causes deformed bite and facial asymmetry.

Dental loss leads to a reduction in the vertical dimension of the face, the person starts looking older.

The bite changes, which interferes with chewing, causes discomfort and insufficient digestion of food. The adjacent teeth start migrating in an attempt to adjust the bite, they get inclined and protruded, spaces between the teeth increase.

The patient is registered for the first consultation with the dentist, when the physician performs a complete inspection of the oral cavity. The patient receives general information on dental implants. Then the patient is referred to a 3D X-Ray (computed tomography). Computer tomography (cone beam computed tomography) helps a dentist to gain awareness of the condition of the teeth and the anatomy and quality of the jaw bone. The physician may measure the volume of the bone in a vertical, horizontal and sagittal plane. This enables one to determine the optimum diameter, length and shape of the implant. Information on the procedure of the surgery and recommendations for the post-surgical period are provided to the patient. If the volume of the bone or bone and soft tissue of the patient is insufficient for the insertion of the implant and reaching an aesthetic result, the tissue volume increasing (augmentation) procedure is performed. Sometimes augmentation is performed simultaneously with the insertion of an implant.

Then, the implantation surgery is performed. Dental implantation is a quick (takes approximately 20 minutes) and painless procedure. It is performed under local anaesthesia. The adjacent teeth are not affected. The dentist-implantologist separates and folds back the gum and uses a special drill to prepare the implantation site during the surgery. The implant is then screwed into the bone and the wound is fully or partially closed with stitches, leaving the space for the gingiva former, which can be seen in the oral cavity after the surgery. The removal of stitches is usually performed one week after the procedure.

Care for implant-mounted dental prostheses is similar to the care for natural teeth.

The healing phase is individual for each person, it usually lasts from 2 to 4 months for the maxilla and from 1 to 2 months for the mandible. If additional procedures are performed, the healing period may be extended to 9 months. During the healing process, the patient can use a temporary prosthesis, which helps aesthetic restoration. If the gum has been completely stitched during the operation, the implant must be revealed before the insertion of the prosthesis. When the gum at the implantation site has healed, and the implant has been integrated in the bone, the dentist commences prosthetic operations or the manufacturing of artificial teeth. The dentist takes impressions and sends them to the technical dental laboratory. Dental technicians model the prosthesis at the laboratory. When the prosthesis is ready, the dentist attaches it to dental implants by using cement or screws. 4 visits to the dentist with intervals of 2 – 4 business days between the visits are usually required for the insertion of prostheses.

Dental prostheses that are mounted on implants are a modern, safe and efficient method for the replacement of missing teeth. Dental implants are integrated in the jaw bone and can serve for as long as up to 30 years. We work with contemporary, tested materials and technologies. Dental implant-mounted prostheses are easy to care for and do not visually differ from natural teeth.