Dental implants: everything you need to know

An implant replaces a lost tooth completely — from the root to the crown. Unlike bridges, it does not require grinding down healthy neighbouring teeth, and the chewing load is transferred to the bone, so it does not atrophy.

When an implant is needed

• one or several missing teeth;
• the impossibility of placing a bridge;
• complete edentulism — the absence of all teeth;
• not wanting to grind down healthy neighbouring teeth.

Stages of implantation

• consultation and 3D CT — assessment of bone volume and planning;
• placement of the implant under local anesthesia;
• healing (3–6 months) — osseointegration with the bone;
• placement of the gum former;
• fabrication and fixation of the crown.

How long it takes and whether it hurts

The operation itself lasts 30–60 minutes under anesthesia. The full cycle is 3 to 6 months: that is how long it takes for the implant to fuse with the bone. After the operation, moderate discomfort is possible for 2–3 days.

Contraindications

• decompensated diabetes;
• blood clotting disorders;
• cancer in the active phase;
• insufficient bone volume — solved with bone grafting.