Even the lack of a single tooth, in particular in the frontal segment of the dental arch, is a significant problem of aesthetic, functional (masticatory function), psychological (uncertainty, lack of self-confidence) and even social nature (a beautiful complete smile is an advantage in both private and professional life). For over 30 years IMPLANTS have provided an excellent solution to all these problems, as they:
- restore a consistently beautiful smile to the patient;
- enable the permanent restoration of missing teeth;
- provide the patient with full physical and mental comfort;
- provide an excellent aesthetic effect and natural appearance of the teeth;
- allow problems associated with traditional prosthetic restoration (removal of the prosthesis, tooth grinding) to be avoided.

The implants used today are small titanium-made screws placed surgically in the jaw bones; they replace root of the missing tooth and provide a support for the new tooth crown. In our clinic we have used only the implants from U.S. BIOMET 3i Implant Innovation Inc. This is one of three leading worldwide systems of dental implants (the others are Branemark and Straumann). This system is supported by long-term studies and excellent treatment results. These are dental implants guaranteeing our patients the highest quality, safety and excellent aesthetics. These implants are covered by a five-year worldwide guarantee, and if an implant fails to adhere to the bone (1.3% cases), we will repeat the implantation procedure free of charge. We are very happy to inform you, that our dental clinic has been authorised by 3i Implant Innovation Inc. Failure percentage according to world literature oscilates at the level 3-4 %. In last few years this percentage in our clinic is around 1.3 %. We are very happy to inform you, that our dental clinic has been authorised by BIOMET 3i Implant Innovation Inc. Please watch presentation and movies by BIOMET 3i - www.villanova.pl/prezentacja/.

PRE-IMPLANTATION SURGERY

This includes procedures preparing bone for the implant placement, e.g. in the case of lack of a sufficient amount of bone tissue (bone augmentation) or lack of space for the implant (raising of the bottom of the maxillary sinus). Special materials stimulating and promoting formation of the bone tissue (e.g. Bio-oss(R) or Bio-guide) are used to provide a sufficient base for the implant. Such material acts as a certain kind of matrix on which bone tissue may grow and fill an existing defect. If the placing of implants in the upper jaw (maxilla) in the area of premolar and molar teeth is required and the maxillary sinus is in a low position, the procedure of raising of the bottom of the maxillary sinus is performed. In the above-mentioned procedures a modern, extremely helpful bone surgery device, PIEZOSURGERY(R) is applied, which generates a vibration of appropriate frequency to allow bone cutting. The technology provides minimal tissue injury, as well as precision and certainty, which traditional instruments are not able to provide. For the patient the technology means less pain and swelling after the procedure.

IMPLANT PLACEMENT - SURGICAL PORTION

Implant placement is a very subtle and precise procedure performed under local anaesthesia, consisting of putting the implant in an appropriate position in the bone. Then the healing (osteointegration) period begins, during which permanent fixation between the surface of the titanium implant and bone is being created. Usually the process lasts for 3-6 months or less, if the oral environment promotes the implant-bone integration. Then the prosthetic portion of the treatment may be commenced.

Back to top

PROCEDURE OF SCREWING DENTAL IMPLANTS INTO A JAW

First, a comprehensive treatment plan is prepared on the basis of the examination records, patient's expectations and bone measurements.

The treatment procedure consists in drilling holes in bone tissue, in precisely specified points, where dental implants are subsequently screwed into a jawbone and covered with the gum tissue in order to speed up healing. Depending on the number of the implants, the procedure takes from half an hour to two hours. Screwing one or several dental implants into a well-formed bone is a painless outpatient procedure, being performed under standard local anaesthesia. The healing period lasts from two to six months. During that period the patient can use a traditional prosthesis safely.

After the healing period the clinician uncovers the upper part of the implant in order to insert a cover screw lengthening the implant up to the gum edge for about two weeks. This is the most expected moment, as the mucous tissue is then healed and natural gum contouring achieved. Subsequent visits will result in the desired effect of a beautiful smile. The clinician will make dental impressions, and the prosthetic technician will prepare a tooth crown, a bridge or a prosthesis with fasteners that will be fastened to implants fused with bone by the dentist.

IMPLANT-BASED RESTORATIONS - PROSTHETIC PORTION

Recent progress in implantation technology has created completely new and diverse options for prosthetic treatment. Prosthetic management depends on the number of missing teeth and type of the planned restoration, such as:
- prosthetic crowns;
- bridges replacing partial lack of dentition;
- bridges replacing complete lack of dentition;
- overdenture prosthesis.

COURSE OF TREATMENT

The first visit is designed for detailed diagnostic examinations including:
- taking the medical history to provide information on the patient's needs and expectations, and general health condition (with particular attention to diseases of the heart, lungs, liver and thyroid, possible diabetes, osteoporosis or coagulation disorders). Also information on the patient's oral hygienic practices is important, as perfect oral hygiene contributes to the success of the treatment;
- clinical examination, an essential part of the diagnostic process, which involves in particular a thorough examination of the site of the planned implant, and an assessment of:
- soft tissues, i.e. status of the mucous membrane (thickness, colour, mobility);
- dentition (caries, mobility);
- periodontium (bleeding, gingival pouches);
- status of occlusion (bite);
- toothless areas (width and height of alveolar processes);
- oral hygiene (dental plaque, tartar and deposit);
- additional examinations: usually x-ray techniques are used (mostly a panoramic X-ray), which allow the assessment of the amount and condition of the bone to be a support for the planned implant (the base for the treatment plan), the condition of the teeth adjacent to the missing one, as well as the size and position of anatomical structures that may hinder the procedure (bottom of the maxillary sinus, nasal cavity, nerve canals);
- computed tomography (CT), which is used mostly for extensive procedures or if the amount of bone is very small and the highest precision is necessary;
- RVG (Radiovisiography)
The dentist, having collected and considered the necessary data, provides the patient with information on the treatment options available. At this time the patient should be provided with the treatment plan, his or her possible doubts should be resolved, and decision on the treatment should be taken.

Back to top

FAQ

1. Who may be given implants?
2. Is the implant placement painful?
3. Can implants replace the natural teeth completely?
4. What complications may occur after the procedure?
5. What is the durability of the implant?
6. Is oral hygiene important?
7. How smoking may affect implant treatment?

1. Who may be given implants?

In general implants may be implanted in all adults of good general health and who have a sufficient amount and quality of bone in the site of the planned implant:
- adults - a prerequisite for such treatment is the completion of the development and complete formation of jaw bones;
- generally healthy individuals - the general health condition is of significant importance, since past or current systematic diseases, such as unstable diabetes, tumours, blood disorders, osteoporosis, etc. negatively affect the osteointegration (implant fixation) process and wound healing;
- individuals with a sufficient amount and quality of bone - regular healthy bone tissue provides the base for the implant; thus, the success of the treatment depends on this to a significant extent. Atrophy of the alveolar process and insufficient space for the implant are significant problems, but not impossible to resolve; the most recent methods of pre-implantation surgery are helpful in such cases.

2.Is the implant placement painful?

The implant placement is performed under local anaesthesia; thus, it is painless. On the other hand, due to the delicacy and precision of the surgical technique, the discomfort of this procedure is similar to that associated with tooth extraction.

3. Can implants replace the natural teeth completely?

Implant-based restoration provides excellent aesthetic effects and efficiently restores the masticatory function. Note that implant-based restoration is definitely the optimal solution, as only it may ensure a permanent effect of the treatment and comfort of use, and only it is able to replace the natural dentition completely.

4. What complications may occur after the procedure?

Usually, under favourable condition of both general health and oral cavity, the appropriately performed procedure poses no risk to the patient. Commonly after the implantation procedure a slight transient pain and swelling of the soft tissues may occur. Patients take an antibiotic for a few days after the procedure to prevent more serious complications.

5. What is the durability of the implant?

The implant itself is indestructible; however, as it is implanted in the living body, foreign body reaction depends to some extent on the condition of the body. If after the implantation, some general factors, such as diseases or addictions occur, they may affect the result of the treatment. On the other hand, the prosthetic portion, which is usually covered by the guarantee, may wear, which requires periodical replacement of certain elements (e.g. the porcelain parts).

6. Is oral hygiene important?

Oral hygiene is of greatest importance for the success of the implantation treatment. The patient's duty is to maintain exemplary oral hygiene, to allow the implants to perform their role for a long time. Such a task requires self-discipline and strict co-operation with the dentist, which begins just after the procedure - the patient is not allowed to eat anything for two hours and is recommended to avoid hot meals for the whole day. Smoking should be avoided for at least for 48 hours after the procedure and it is important that meals promoting the build-up of dental plaque should also be avoided. As any debris accumulating around the implant may lead to infection and, in extreme cases, to rejection of the implant, the patient should start gentle tooth brushing as soon as possible. Using a disinfecting mouthwash 2-3 times a day would improve oral care. This is just the beginning; it is of great importance that such regular oral hygiene be maintained for the whole period of the implant-based restoration. The regular application of professional tooth cleaning, usually during the check-up, is also recommended.

7. How may smoking affect implant treatment?

Smoking compromises the tissues' regeneration capabilities, and thus significantly reduces the chance for acceptance and long-term maintenance of the implant; in fact, it may cause a four-fold increase in the risk of implant rejection. Smoking also contributes to the build-up of deposits on teeth and prosthetic restoration, which are more difficult to remove.

Back to top