Dental implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone when the tooth can no longer be saved. The implant carries a prosthetic crown or bridge.
What are dental implants?
For decades, dental implants have proven to be the most suitable aesthetic-prosthetic substitutes for lost tooth tissue and, in their structure and shape, represent the optimal replacement for lost teeth structures.
Implants are made of two types of materials: titanium and zirconium. Due to its durability and biocompatibility, titanium is the most commonly used manufacturing material.
The choice of implant is individual and it is necessary to take into account the specific circumstances of each patient - bone quality, gum biotype, position of the implant in the jaw and type of prosthetic work - and make a decision accordingly.
Regardless of whether one, several or all teeth are missing, dental implants with replacement function like real teeth.
Who are candidates for dental implants?
- Age limit: implants are suitable for adults because they require that the jawbone be fully grown. This is why implants are not an option for children and teenagers.
- Oral hygiene: the success of implants depends on excellent oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing, flossing or use of interdental brushes, and regular visits to the dentist.
- Habits such as smoking: smoking can significantly affect the healing process and reduce the success of implants. It is recommended that you quit smoking before the procedure and during recovery.
- Gum health: patients should have healthy gums without inflammation or periodontal disease, such as periodontitis, as these conditions can affect the success of implants.
- Sufficient bone: Implants are placed in the bone, which means it is important to have sufficient, good-quality bone mass. If you have insufficient bone, you may need bone augmentation before or during the implant placement procedure.
The placement of dental implants consists of several precise steps that guarantee an optimal result for your smile.
FAQ
How successful is implant placement?
Dental implant placement is a highly successful procedure with favorable long-term results. According to several research and clinical studies, the success rate of dental implants is between 90% and 98% after 10 years. This high success rate depends on several factors, including the quality of the patient's bone, oral hygiene, the experience of the dentist, and proper postoperative care.
What are the advantages of implants compared to other solutions?
Dental implants provide a stable base for tooth replacements, allowing normal chewing and speech function. Unlike dentures, which can move and cause discomfort, implants are firmly inserted into the jawbone, which gives them greater stability.
Do dental implants have a lifetime guarantee?
Dental implants from reputable manufacturers come with a lifetime warranty on the implant itself. The warranty refers to the life of the implant itself, i.e. the titanium screw that is installed in the jaw, while prosthetic replacements (crowns, bridges) have a limited warranty.
Why is the implant certificate important?
The implant certificate is an important document that patients receive after dental implant placement because it contains information about the type and serial number of the implant, the date of placement, the name of the manufacturer, clinic and operator, and branch information.
How to maintain dental implants?
Maintenance of dental implants is the key to their longevity and success. Proper care helps prevent complications such as peri-implantitis (inflammation of the tissue around the implant) and ensures the long-term functionality and aesthetics of implants. Regular oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist, proper nutrition, avoiding bad habits and using appropriate care products are important.
"Proper planning and execution of implant therapy is extremely important, especially when it comes to implants in the aesthetic zone. In these cases, we use immediate implantation, immediately after tooth extraction, to preserve the morphology of the soft tissues and allow for a harmonious aesthetic result. The aesthetics of the smile are fundamental and the success of the therapy depends on the coordinated shape of the soft tissues, which allows the creation of crowns that adapt perfectly to the dental row."
Matko Oguić, DMD