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Thanks to ongoing advances in dental medicine technology, dental implants have become an increasingly common topic of conversations. As the popularity of dental implants grows, people become more willing to discuss their missing teeth and seek a permanent solution to restore their smile and confidence and get new teeth. In recent years, the market has been flooded with implants made by various manufacturers with different quality levels. While the person placing the implant, i.e. an oral surgeon, remains the most important person in the context of implantation, it is also advisable to know who made the implants.

What exactly is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a replacement for a tooth, made of fully biocompatible material – titanium. An implant is surgically placed in the jaw and covered by a prosthetic structure – a crown or a bridge, which means it can substitute only one tooth, support a series of teeth or replace a major prosthesis. It will take over the whole appearance and function of the natural tooth and prevent the deterioration of the remaining bone, which helps keep your teeth healthy and avoid their grinding. Implants will restore your functions such as chewing, drinking and normal speech but also restore your confidence and give you a sense of freedom by providing you with a new smile because their aesthetics and functionality match those of real teeth. Missing teeth mar the appearance but also affect the behavior of any person who lives with this problem. The first reaction of a person after seeing their new teeth in the mirror is certainly the best proof of how implants improve their physical and mental condition. Dental implants also help the facial structure, primarily the cheeks and mouth, building the person’s confidence to an incredible degree.

Requirements for implants

The chief requirement for implantation is good, healthy and solid bone. We use CT diagnostics and orthopantomogram to determine bone quality. Several solutions are available if the bone is lacking in volume: • PRF protocol to augment your bone or add artificial bone to your lower jaw. • Sinus lift combined with PRF protocol on the upper jaw. Please note that any such procedure where bone is added delays the whole implantation process for about 6-8 months because this is the time it takes to achieve an acceptable condition of the bones and tissue, suitable for implantation.

What does the implantation process consist of?

It takes about 15 minutes to surgically place an implant – this process if completely painless and much less discomfortable than having a tooth extracted, which means you can rest assured you will feel nothing. This procedure is followed by osseointegration, a process where your bone and the implants are fused to allow the implant to function as a natural tooth. You will be ready for the placement of the agreed prosthesis (a crown or a bridge, whichever you may choose) 2-3 months after placing an implant in the lower jaw and 3-4 months after placing an implant in the upper jaw. Once the fusing process is completed, your impression will be used to make a permanent crown, bridge or denture. After our lab staff make your prosthesis, you will need to visit us to try it on – the dentist will fix the prosthesis to your implants, thus completing the whole implantation process.

How long do you have to wait to have implants placed?

What kind of warranty is offered for implants?

The titanium section of the implant that is placed in your bone is designed to last until the end of your life, which is why implant manufacturers normally offer lifetime warranty that covers you in case the titanium section is broken. Our Center offers 3-year warranty for the structure of your prosthesis (abutment, crown) fitted on the implant, as well as any chipping of the porcelain or acrylate sections of your prosthesis.

Maintenance of your dental implants

In the context of implants, it is important to stress the significance of oral hygiene and implant maintenance. You will need to maintain your dental implants in the same way you maintain your natural teeth, which is why it is very important to regularly and thoroughly maintain your oral hygiene and brush at least twice a day.

Whom should I choose to place my implants?

We will determine whether or not you are eligible for implants and the method to be used in your case based on the initial examination, the thickness of your bone and the rules of dental implantology. If you are not eligible for dental implants, you still have the option to have crowns, bridges or a denture placed.

It will by no means be easy to make your decision to have implants placed, but it is important to know that a timely response after a tooth is lost is crucial for any person with missing teeth. We know how painful and stressful it is to lose a tooth and about the resulting problems in daily life, but we are here to tell you that you can solve this problem very quickly and, most importantly, without any pain whatsoever if you choose to have a dental implant placed. If you would like to know about the current condition of your teeth, please make an appointment for an initial examination and an oral medicine specialist will inform you of your options and suggest the best and quickest solution for your new smile! Štimac Dental Center will answer any questions you may have.