What are the indications for the insertion of dental implants?

Types of dental implants

Depending on the needs of the patient, the structure of the oral cavity and the clinical conditions, different types of implants are used:

• Root implants (screw) — most commonly used, they resemble a screw, made of titanium, which perfectly integrates with the bone. They are implanted directly into the jaw bone or lower jaw.
• Lamellar (platelet) implants — used when the bone is too narrow for traditional screw implants. They have the form of a flat elongated segment of metal.
• Subosseous implants — placed on the surface of the lower jaw bone, used with insufficient amount of bone tissue.
• Zygomatic (intramaxillary) implants — pass through the yoke bone, used mainly for large bone deficiencies in the back of the upper jaw.
• Mini-implants — smaller than standard, used temporarily or in places with limited space.
• Immediate Implants — Implanted immediately after tooth extraction, which shortens the treatment time.
• Temporary Implants — used as a support for temporary prostheses before the final structures are fitted.

The choice of the appropriate type of implant depends on the quantity and quality of the bone, the location of the missing tooth, the general state of health and the aesthetic expectations of the patient. The final decision is made after a detailed examination and consultation with an implantologist.

Indications for implant placement

Dental implants are recommended in the following cases:

• Loss of one or more teeth Regardless of the cause (trauma, caries, periodontal disease), implants are a durable and aesthetic solution. They allow you to avoid grinding healthy teeth, which is necessary for bridges.
• Total loss of teeth — implants can serve as a stable support for prostheses, increasing comfort, stability and functionality and preventing bone atrophy.
• Loss of jaw or mandibular bone — after appropriate preparatory procedures (e.g. bone augmentation, sinus elevation), it is possible to insert implants even with significant bone defects.
• Aesthetic considerations and improvement of quality of life — implants allow to obtain the natural appearance and functionality of the dentition, which translates into confidence and comfort of daily functioning.

Benefits of having dental implants

Dental implants offer many advantages:

• Restore natural functionality — allow you to eat, talk and laugh freely, without worrying about the prosthesis shifting or falling out.
• Prevent bone atrophy — implants stimulate the jawbone or lower jaw bone, preventing its resorption and helping to maintain the natural shape of the face.
• They guarantee an aesthetic appearance — Crowns on implants are designed to fit perfectly with natural teeth.
• They are durable and comfortable With proper care, implants can last for many years or even a lifetime, reducing the number of check-ups and potential complications.

Contraindications to implant treatment

There are situations when implant implantation is not indicated or requires special care:

Absolute contraindications:

• Active cancer diseases and radiation therapy in the head and neck
• Severe, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Severe immune disorders or immunosuppressive therapy
• Active infections in the mouth (e.g. acute periodontitis)

Relative contraindications:

• Smoking (increases the risk of failure)
• Abuse of alcohol or psychoactive substances
• Inflammation of the oral mucosa (eg lichen planus)
• Osteoporosis, especially when using bisphosphonates
• Taking certain medications (steroids, anticoagulants)
• Deficiency of bone tissue (this can often be remedied with regenerative treatments)
• Young age (undeveloped jaw/mandible bone)
• Psychological problems that make it difficult to follow the recommendations

Each case requires an individual assessment and consultation with an experienced implantologist.

summary

Dental implants are a modern, durable and aesthetic solution for people with dental deficiencies. Indications for their insertion include both single and multiple dental cavities, as well as complete loss of dentition. Thanks to implants, it is possible to restore the full functionality of the oral cavity, improve the appearance and quality of life. Although there are some contraindications, proper preparation and treatment planning allow you to achieve long-lasting, satisfactory results. When deciding on implants, it is worth being aware of both the benefits and the potential challenges to enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for many years to come.