Dental Implant — What Does the Procedure Look Like?

Stages of implant treatment

1. Consultation and interview

The first step is to consult a dentist, during which a detailed medical interview is carried out. The doctor asks about the patient's health, medications taken and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, blood clotting problems or osteoporosis. This is followed by an oral examination and imaging (e.g. pantomogram or CT scan) to assess the condition of the bones, gums and adjacent teeth. Based on these studies, the doctor plans treatment and excludes contraindications to the procedure.

2. Preparing the implant site

If there is bone atrophy or other anatomical problems at the site of the planned implant (e.g. proximity to the maxillary sinus floor), additional procedures such as bone reconstruction (augmentation) or maxillary sinus bottom elevation may be necessary. These procedures ensure the proper quantity and quality of bone, which is crucial for the stability of the implant.

3. Implant implantation

The procedure for implantation of the implant is performed under local anesthesia. The dentist makes an incision in the gum, exposes the bone and, with the help of precise tools, drills a hole of the appropriate dimensions, matched to the implant. Then the implant (a metal screw made of titanium or zirconium oxide) is precisely placed in the bone. After that, the gum is sutured, and the patient receives recommendations for postoperative care.

Depending on the individual clinical situation, a one-step technique (implant with a healing screw applied that protrudes above the gum) or two-stage (an implant completely covered with the gum, which is exposed after healing) is used.

4. Healing and osseointegration period

After the procedure, there is a recovery period during which the implant adheres to the bone - this process is called osseointegration. The healing time depends on many factors, including the patient's health, bone quality, and the location of the implant. It usually ranges from 2 to 6 months (shorter in the lower jaw, longer in the jaw).

Stitches are usually removed after 10-14 days. At this time, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations and take care of oral hygiene to avoid complications.

5. Installation of a prosthetic crown

After complete healing and integration of the implant, an impression (now often digital) is taken, which allows an individually tailored prosthetic crown to be made. This crown is aesthetic and functional, perfectly matched to the rest of the teeth. The installation of the crown is painless and completes the entire process of implant treatment.

Summary

The procedure of implantation of a tooth implant is a safe, relatively fast and comfortable procedure for the patient thanks to modern methods of anesthesia and precise equipment. Although it requires proper preparation and adherence to postoperative recommendations, dental implants are a durable and aesthetic solution to fill gaps in the dentition, improving oral health and comfort of life.

If you are considering dental implants, it is worth consulting with a specialist implantologist, who will conduct a complete diagnosis and plan an individual treatment tailored to your needs.