What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that is used to replace a tooth that was lost. Its alternative is a bridge, which requires drilling of the adjacent teeth to replace the missing tooth. An artificial crown is soon made to fit the implant and functions as a normal tooth. If many teeth are missing, multiple implants can eliminate the need for dentures.
Masticatory function, speech and quality of life are significantly improved with implant treatment compared to treatment with complete dentures.
How long will the treatment last?
There are two phases: the first phase is the surgical phase in which the implant is placed into the bone for 2 months to allow for healing. Temporary teeth are used in the meantime, mainly for aesthetic reasons. This process is called “immediate loading” of the implants. The second phase is the short process of the actual crown fabrication. Therefore, the implant replaces the root of the tooth, while the crown replaces that part of the tooth, which shows in the mouth.
In most cases, the treatment with dental implants can be completed in just a week (3 dental visits).
In any case, the protocol of our clinic is never leave the patient without teeth. Furthermore, even the temporary teeth are always fixed and still.
In almost all cases, patients feel comfortable after implant placement, because atraumatic surgical techniques are used and complicated grafting procedures are avoided.