Implantology
Dear Patient,
We all have to realize, sooner or later, that we can lose any of our teeth. Either as a result of cavities (caries), periodontal disease (parodontosis) or trauma. When we lose a tooth, the surrounding bone begins to shrink away or even resorb, becoming increasingly brittle, compromising adjacent teeth and maybe changing even our appearance. Non-implant supported dentures, such as partial dentures or bridges, may actually accelerate this process.
What is the solution for you?
Full or partial dentures (non-implant supported) may change the eating habits unfavourably, because you cannot eat fresh fruits or vegetables, which can compromise our nutrition. Your sense of taste is adversely affected. In addition, chewing can be difficult and painful, so digestion is often compromised. Full dentures may affect your emotional life, for instance fear of the dentures slipping or falling out while doing a presentation or at a family dinner, or when sneezing. You may get used to bad habits like moving or clicking the denture by your tongue, etc.
When a bridge is used, your natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth have to be reshaped by removing a part of it, even if they are healthy. But there is a solution to all these problems, the best that modern dentistry can offer you:
What is a dental implant?
The aim of any prosthetic treatment in case of a disease or missing teeth is restoring natural circumstances. The fewer teeth we have, the more difficult it is to reach this aim. Dental implants are to replace missing teeth, they are actually root replacements “implanted” in the jaw. During the healing period bone forms a natural mechanical bond with the dental implants, which become strong and stable. In the healing period, which ideally lasts for two months, the implants are covered by the gum, which protects them from extra pressure. Then the final abutment is screwed into the implant to fix the “new tooth”, just the way traditional crowns are fixed. But the pressure caused by chewing is taken by the implant in this case, and not by the root of the tooth, and is then evenly spread over the jaw.
For the artificial root to be stabilized firmly in the jaw, the 3i implantation meets three requirements:
1. 3i implants are manufactured from biocompatible titanium alloy and as a result they are stronger than other types of implants.
2. The special shape of 3i implants secures perfect stability right after implantation (primary stability) and protects the jaw while chewing.
3. 3i implants have rough surface to secure more favourable healing and stabilization for the “new root”. The surface of 3i implants are specially treated, as a result of which the osseous integration (boning) in case of proper bone quality is only two months.
The CERTAIN system also simplifies the surgical intervention. The implant may be removed from its holder and may be put into place with one single tool, and the same tool can be used for applying the cover screw.
When do we recommend implants?
This depends on the indications to be examined by the dentist. The following examples will show some of the applications of 3i implants, as an alternative to traditional tooth replacements. Example 1: when one tooth needs replacement.
Example 2: When more than one tooth in a row needs replacement, with the application of 3i implant we can avoid scraping of the healthy neighbouring teeth necessitated by placing a bridge.
Example 3: In the case of total loss of teeth, the traditional denture lies on the mucous membrane resulting in the continuous atrophy of the bone for lack of pressure. Consequently the shape of the mouth changes leading to the slipping of the denture causing inflammation of the gum, which continues the process of bone atrophy. In ten years time the denture will not be stable any more and can fall out when laughing or sneezing. At this point it is extremely complicated and expensive to replace missing teeth.
With total loss of teeth implants serve as support abutments providing stabilization for fixed or removable dentures. Dentures are fixed so as not to impede chewing or speaking.
A new quality of life
The advantages of dental implants are obvious: your “new teeth” will be firmly fixed and stable leading to greater self-confidence.
Although we cannot do away with tooth replacements, the size of dentures may be noticeably reduced and they will look more like natural teeth. Dentures are hardly noticeable by you or anybody else, as they are more like teeth both functionally and aesthetically.
The stability of your implant supported teeth will offer the benefit for you to chew with greater force leading to better nutrition.
You will speak with more comfort and confidence and be ready for a hearty laugh
Are implants recommended for everyone?
There are a few cases when the use of implants is not recommended: for children in the phase of growth, severe heart trouble, high blood pressure, illness in the bones, patients with medication, alcohol, or drug dependence. Diabetes patients can receive implants so long as the level of blood sugar is firmly controlled and there is regular interaction with the family doctor.
Just as with natural teeth, immense significance is attributed to the proper oral hygiene in the interest of the long life of implants. Insufficient oral hygiene can lead to the loss of implants and your doctor may refuse to place further implants for you.
Having given some example we want to urge you to consult with your dentist and ask for his/her recommendation for the best tooth replacement for you. Your dentist will also supply you with information about possible risks regarding the use of implants.
How long do implants last?
Implant dentistry offers you the most advanced technology for long-lasting implant retained teeth. The time they will last depends primarily on you! It is only with careful oral hygiene that you can prevent imflammations endangering implants. There are a great many patients wearing implants without any complaints, so if you carefully follow your dentist’s advice regarding oral hygiene, you will be happy and satisfied with your implant retained teeth.
What is the size of an implant?
Depending on the individual case sizes of implants are 8,5–15 mm in length and 3,25–6 mm in width.
Finally the most important aspect: your own oral hygiene
As we have reiterated so many times it is of key importance to pay attention to oral hygiene, so ask your doctor what products are the most suitable for your teeth and how to use them. There are a great number of excellent products available from tooth paste, and optimum shaped tooth brushes to dental flosses.
With proper tooth and oral hygiene you will not only keep your natural teeth healthy, but you can secure the proper functioning of your implant retained „new teeth”!
