Implantology
A dental implant is a device that looks like a “screw”, which is fitted in the jaw to support a prosthetic tooth or a group of teeth. It requires the “acceptance” of the receiving tissue, through a process called osseointegration. Implants used at our dental surgery are made from titanium (the same metal successfully used in hip replacements).
What are the advantages?
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Dental implants give you the feeling of having your own teeth once again, because of the prosthetic support and how they add tone to the lips and facial contours, recreating a good functional and aesthetic situation.
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The implant technique does not require the involvement of other teeth, which are often in good health, unlike with dental bridges.
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Greater comfort: implants enable the creation of a fixed prosthesis, for stable teeth that don’t move during meals.
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They help to improve self-esteem by restoring your smile; the psychological aspect is always of considerable importance.
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They improve the long term health of our teeth, preserving surrounding bone and slowing the edentulism process.
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They are highly resistant and last numerous years.
What does the procedure involve?
Implant therapy involves a number of steps which always follow correct clinical and radiological diagnosis. The first step involves the surgical positioning of the dental implant, in the bony part selected during diagnosis. It is then left to “rest” for a varying length of time, normally 3-4 months, so that the bone adheres correctly to the inserted prosthesis: integration and good “stability” are the basis of successful therapy. In most cases, the implant is positioned under the gums and only after achieving correct osseointegration are they “uncovered”, so that the surrounding gum can regrow and to recreate a correct aesthetic-functional compromise. By 2 weeks the gum will have perfectly healed in the desired shape, so that a precise mould can be taken to make the ceramic dental element.
What is the percentage success rate?
Much depends on the patient’s habits, the receiving bone and any general health conditions. In a healthy non-smoking patient, a success rate of close to 95% is achieved.
Is the operation painful?
Implantology is much less painful than commonly imagined; local anaesthetic “puts to sleep” surrounding tissue, thus momentarily reducing sensitivity. However, once the anaesthetic wears off, the patient may experience slight discomfort. This varies from patient to patient, but in most cases no more than light painkillers are required for a few days.
Can anyone have a dental implant fitted?
Almost all adults can undergo implant therapy. There are some contra-indications which are absolute and relative, such as uncontrolled diabetes and smoking (heavy smokers in particular); these are just some examples of when the procedure is not recommended. Correct anamnesis and a medical check-up can remove all doubt in this sense. Moreover, sufficient bone “availability” at the receiving site is also important; if lacking, interventions can be evaluated to increase it.
How is it possible to establish whether there is sufficient bone for positioning a dental implant?
Simply by undergoing radiographic tests like 3D CONE BEAM CAT or the dentalscan CAT; we will be able to evaluate the quantity, quality and anatomical shape of receiving bone.
What is a Toronto Bridge?
A Toronto Bridge is an example of fixed rehabilitation involving 4/6 implants anchored onto a full arch prosthesis. The clinician may suggest this type of solution in the presence of necessary conditions, during your dental check-up.
Our surgery
The surgery Dental@Med in Foligno will be happy to organise a meeting so that you can consult with clinicians who will be able to answer your questions.
