One of the most frequently asked question by patients about implants is whether the procedure is painful. The answer is no, and you may even be surprised when you realize that both during and after placement you are not experiencing any pain. Some swelling is expected after the operation, but any discomfort is treated by simple painkillers. Many times, even these are not necessary. The procedure is performed under simple local anaesthesia, as most dental operations are.
The exact process, the duration and the number of sessions needed differ from patient to
patient, and each case is approached individually. The causes of tooth loss, the quality of the
bone, and the number of implants we are going to place play an important role. Placement
could be completed in only one session.
Usually, the entire process, from the placement to the final loading of the prosthetic
restoration, requires two phases of microsurgical procedure. In some cases, however, it can
be achieved in one phase.
Let’s examine the basic steps of the process.
Firstly, we will make an accurate diagnosis by detailed clinical and radiographic testing. We use classic panoramic radiographs in combination with digital nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, so that we have the total and three-dimensional image of the size, shape, bone
density, periodontal tissues, nerves etc. In this phase, you must provide a comprehensive medical history of your dental and overall health. In combination with the radiographic inspection, we will now be able to formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Thanks to modern digital technology, we will be drawing up a precise plan. Using a special software, we process the information provided by the radiographic examination and with your exact teeth impressions, we create a three-dimensional model that represents your mouth. This way, we can determine the exact position the implant must be placed, and create a surgical guide.
Then, we shall present you with a detailed plan and the kind of prosthetic restoration we will be using, and of course provide every information you may need, such as the duration of the treatment, any alternative plans, and additional work that may be needed before we proceed to the placement.
For the placement we must perform a microsurgical procedure. Initially, we will make a small incision in your gum to reveal the bone and create the space on the bone where the implant will be placed. Then, we will cover again the bone and the implant with your gums, using stitches. Where appropriate, we may place a healing screw that protects and forms the gingival tissue around the implant.
The phase of osteointegration then follows, which is very critical for the success of the
process. The implant integrates into the jawbone and takes the place of the lost tooth root. The osteointegration period generally lasts about 2-3 months. After the implant placement, we can replace the lost teeth with temporary prostheses, so that the patient is not left without teeth until the process is completed. The prosthetic restoration is added at the end.
In some cases, we can “load” the prosthetic restoration almost immediately after the implant
placement, i.e. either the same day or within 1-2 days. This means that you will not have to
wait for 3 months to receive your new teeth. Additionally, in some cases, we can promptly
place the implants after a tooth extraction. These techniques, known as loading and
immediate placement, can be performed only in selected cases and under specific
circumstances. In any event, we will inform you for all the possible options.
After the completion of osteointegration, we can reveal the tip of the implant and connect to it the base where the prosthetic restoration will be attached on.
The gums adjust around the base, and we have to wait some time for them to heal. In the meantime, we take your teeth impressions in order to create your customized crown, bridge, or denture that will be placed on the implants. You have just gained again the smile and comfort in your everyday life!