- Single tooth, multiple teeth or full-arch solutions
- Fusion with the bone takes 2–4 months; a temporary tooth on the same day in suitable cases
- Planning with a panoramic X-ray and, where needed, CBCT tomography
- Usually two visits for patients from abroad
In short: A dental implant is the placement of an artificial, titanium-based root in the jawbone when teeth are missing. The aim, with prosthetic planning on top of it, is functional and aesthetic rehabilitation. Suitability is determined by examination and radiological assessment.
What is it?
A root-shaped titanium implant is placed in the jawbone under local anaesthesia. Titanium is biocompatible; within a few months the bone attaches to the surface of the implant (osseointegration). Once this fusion is complete, a connecting component called an abutment is fitted on the implant, and a crown is placed on top of it. With several missing teeth, implants serve as bridge abutments; in a completely edentulous jaw they are used to support a fixed or retained denture.
Who is suitable?
People whose growth is complete (generally over 18), who have sufficient jawbone volume and whose general health is suitable for a surgical procedure may be candidates. There is no upper age limit; what matters is general health. The following situations are assessed separately at the examination, and some of them can be corrected with treatment:
- Uncontrolled diabetes: When it is under control, success rates are close to those of healthy individuals; healing may take somewhat longer.
- Smoking: Significantly increases the risk of failed fusion and of inflammation around the implant; stopping ahead of surgery and during healing is recommended.
- Bisphosphonate / denosumab use: These medicines, used in the treatment of osteoporosis or cancer, can cause healing problems in the jawbone; the decision is made together with the physician who prescribes the medicine.
- Radiotherapy to the head and neck region, active gum disease, untreated infection: The relevant treatment is completed first.
- Blood thinners: The medicine is not stopped; bleeding control is planned for.
The process
- Assessment: Bone volume, the position of the nerve canal and the sinus are measured with an examination, a panoramic X-ray and, where needed, three-dimensional tomography; the general health history and medicines are recorded.
- Surgical placement: A procedure under local anaesthesia that most often takes 30–60 minutes for a single implant. In suitable cases the implant can be placed in the same session as the tooth extraction.
- Healing (osseointegration): 2–3 months in the lower jaw, 3–4 months in the upper jaw. In the aesthetic zone a temporary tooth can be made for this period.
- Prosthesis: An impression (digital or conventional) is taken; the crown, bridge or implant-supported prosthesis is prepared in the laboratory and fitted.
- Follow-up: Check-ups every 3–6 months in the first year, and an annual check-up and professional cleaning after that, are recommended.
What if there is not enough bone?
In areas that have been without teeth for a long time, the bone resorbs. This does not rule out an implant; it changes the planning. Bone grafting (the patient's own bone or ready-made graft material), sinus lift in the posterior upper jaw, short or narrow implants in suitable cases, and angled placement in a fully edentulous jaw (All-on-4 type planning) are among the options. When a graft is needed, the treatment time is extended by a few months.
After the procedure
On the first day a cold compress and the prescribed medicines are used; swelling and mild pain for 2–3 days are normal. The sutures are removed after 7–10 days. An implant does not decay; however, the gum and bone around it can become inflamed (peri-implantitis). Brushing twice a day, an interdental brush or floss, and regular check-ups determine the lifespan of the implant.
Visit plan for patients coming from abroad
Implant treatment mostly requires two visits: the first for the examination, tomography and surgery (3–5 days); the second, 2–4 months after fusion with the bone is complete, for the impression, try-in and delivery of the prosthesis (5–8 days). A panoramic X-ray and photographs are sufficient for a remote preliminary assessment; the definitive plan is confirmed by the examination at the clinic. Details: how it works for international patients.
Points to consider
- After surgery, swelling, mild pain and oozing-type bleeding may occur; the care instructions given must be followed.
- Smoking and inadequate oral hygiene increase the risk of inflammation around the implant (peri-implantitis).
- Uncontrolled systemic diseases and some medicines affect healing; they must always be shared at the examination.
- Bone loss around the implant, infection, screw loosening or prosthetic complications may occur; regular check-ups allow these to be noticed early.
- The long-term outcome depends on home care and dentist check-ups.
Frequently asked questions
Is an examination necessary for an implant?
Yes. Bone volume, the position of the nerve and sinus, and general health are assessed through examination and imaging; remote assessment gives only preliminary information.
Will there be pain during the procedure?
Placement is carried out under local anaesthesia; there may be mild pain and swelling over the following 2–3 days, which is controlled with a painkiller.
Can a tooth be fitted on the same day?
If bone quality and the initial stability of the implant are suitable, a temporary tooth can be fitted on the same day, especially in the front region. The permanent prosthesis is made after fusion with the bone is complete.
Will the body reject the implant?
Titanium is biocompatible and allergic rejection is very rare. Failure is generally related to factors that impair healing, such as infection, early loading or smoking.
What determines the treatment time?
Bone volume, the need for a graft, the number of implants and the type of prosthesis. For a single implant and crown the total is 3–5 months; it may take longer in cases with grafting.
Is tomography essential?
Not in every case. Where bone volume is borderline, or in areas close to the nerve or sinus, three-dimensional imaging is needed for safe planning.
How long does an implant last?
It is not possible to give a single figure. It varies depending on care, general health and regular check-ups.
Who may not be suitable for an implant?
In people whose general health is not suitable or who have an uncontrolled systemic disease, suitability is assessed by the dentist.
The information on this site is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment require an examination by a dentist.