Dental Implants

At the first visit, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons carry out the necessary clinical and radiographic examinations, assess your general health and examine your mouth. Your expectations from treatment are discussed, and 3D radiographic images are used to determine whether the existing bone is suitable for implants. Precise millimetric measurements from these images determine the length and diameter of the implants. An aesthetic assessment is also made to select the most suitable restoration to be placed on the implants.

Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure. To avoid irreversible problems after treatment, it is important that it is performed by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons working with adequate equipment.

Implants allow patients who would otherwise need removable dentures, because they lack enough supporting teeth, to have fixed prostheses instead. Compared with a conventional bridge, which requires the neighboring teeth to be prepared, an implant replaces the missing tooth without cutting down the adjacent teeth. For denture wearers whose dentures do not stay in place due to insufficient bone, implants can be placed and connected to the denture to improve its retention. Dental implants are today a standard treatment for missing teeth.

The length of the procedure depends on the number of implants being placed. On average, our surgeons place each implant in about 10 minutes.

Treatment time varies from patient to patient. In some cases, such as All-on-4, the prosthetic stage can begin on the same day, while other patients need a healing period because of additional surgical procedures. Implants are usually left to fuse with the bone for about 3 months in the upper jaw and about 2 months in the lower jaw, after which porcelain crowns are placed. If additional procedures were needed because the bone was thin or not tall enough, the waiting period may extend to 6 months.

Implants are not advisable for people with a serious, uncontrolled systemic disease, or for those who have undergone radiotherapy or recent chemotherapy. For this reason, it is important that the surgeon knows the full medical history of every patient being considered for implants.

Implant treatment can be provided to any patient whose growth is complete and whose health allows it. Bone development is usually complete at around 15–16 in women and 17–18 in men; after that, implants can be placed at any age. Studies show that advanced age does not pose a risk in implant treatment, so there is no upper age limit.

Certain systemic conditions can prevent dental implant treatment. You should give your dentist detailed information about your health before treatment.

Numerous studies have shown that smoking interferes with the integration of the implant into the bone. In smokers, the risk of implant failure is 2–3 times higher than normal.

Implant placement is a surgical procedure, and before it begins only the area being treated is numbed with local anesthesia. Taking any medication prescribed before surgery, using antiseptic mouthwash afterwards and maintaining good oral hygiene are essential.

Dental implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that carries no risk of allergy or toxicity.

Dental implants can last as long as natural teeth. With good everyday oral and dental care, they serve for many years.

The cost of implant treatment varies depending on the implant brand used. A consultation with our dentist is needed to determine the number and brand of implants that are right for you.

The All-on-4 technique is a procedure for fully edentulous patients in which a dental prosthesis is fixed on the same day onto four dental implants placed at specific angles.

All-on-4 treatment can be provided to any fully edentulous patient (with no remaining teeth) who has sufficient bone volume and no medical condition that would prevent dental implant surgery.

Patients planned for All-on-4 treatment first need a detailed clinical and radiological examination. Measurements are taken on a computed tomography (CT) scan to create a treatment plan tailored to the patient.

The All-on-4 procedure consists of two stages: surgical and prosthetic. On the day of treatment, four dental implants are placed according to the plan, and a temporary prosthesis is fixed onto the implants the same day. Three months later, the permanent prosthesis is made.

As with any dental implant surgery, some pain and swelling may occur afterwards. However, these symptoms can easily be controlled with the medication your dentist recommends.

The All-on-4 procedure can comfortably be performed under local anesthesia. For patients with high levels of anxiety or fear, it can also be carried out under sedation or general anesthesia.

You can use the temporary prosthesis fixed onto your implants right after the procedure. However, during the three-month period in which the implants fuse with the bone, you will need to follow the diet your dentist recommends. Once this period is over and your permanent prosthesis is fitted, you will be able to eat whatever you like.

Studies show that All-on-4 is a treatment with a high success rate in long-term follow-up.