Tooth implants – Dental implants
Dental implants are a very successful way of replacing teeth that did not appear from birth or were lost due to illness. The implants are made of titanium alloys, which are biocompatible and fully accepted by the human body and are able to replace one or all of the teeth in the mouth, providing excellent stability.
In which cases can we place implants?
Dental implants are placed
- in cases of congenital deficiency where the teeth are missing or are found in the wrong position by birth
- to restore one or more teeth that can no longer be saved and should be removed, due to inflammation or inadequate oral hygiene.
- To restore teeth lost after trauma or due to a disease.
- To replace an artificial denture.
Which tests should be carried out before placement?
Before dental implants are placed:
- The dentist, in cooperation with the maxillofacial surgeon, performs a thorough examination of the patient’s mouth.
- Radiological examination is necessary to decide the precise placement of the titanium wedge. Patients are usually asked for panoramic radiography.In some cases, CT scans are also required.
In which cases is CT scanning necessary?
When the jaw does not have the normal shape and size. If this is confirmed by CT, we proceed to regenerative techniques by which we can reconstruct the bone and restore the shape and magnitude of the jaw so that we can proceed with implantation.
- The jaw should have sufficient density to accept the implant.
- In the event that the thickness is insufficient, we proceed to techniques such as the alveolar ridge split technique and the placement of a bone piece as a block on the lumbar side of the bone.
- If the height of the bone in the upper or lower jaw is insufficient, we proceed with techniques such as the lower mandibular nerve shift, which is required before the implantation of dental implants. This is often the case for people who have been left without teeth since the loss of teeth leads to a reduction in the jaw bone, resulting in the damage of the alveolar bone and the alteration of the individual’s external features (wrinkles).
Before implant placement
In the previous night of implant placement, the dentist will give preventively to the patient an antibiotic in order to avoid possible infections.
Implant placement
Frequent questions about implant placement:
What kind of anesthesia is performed during the placement?
The placement of the implants is done, as the case may be, with topical or general anesthesia. Topical anesthesia is usually suggested.
How long does the placement last?
The duration of surgery for each implant takes about 20 to 25 minutes
Will I feel any pain?
The patient does not feel pain during surgery.
Following an implant placement,
- keep the gauze bitten for at least 2 hours after placement to avoid bleeding. The first 8 hours after placement, an external ice patch is placed in order to avoid postoperative edema.
- Only a small amount of liquids are allowed during the first two hours after placement.
After that, you can eat soft foods at a room temperature. From the next day, you can switch back to your ordinary eating habits, avoiding for around 3 weeks the area that was treated. Swelling, pain, reduction of mouth opening and hematoma in the area may occur. - Swelling, pain, reduction of mouth opening and hematoma in the area may occur. Depending on the case, analgesics (Depon, Xefo Rapid, Mesulid, Niflamol) are typically administered.The first painkiller must be taken before anesthesia is over.
- The patient may return to work after 3 days.
What kind of complications may occur after placement?
The risks and undesirable effects after titanium wedge implantation usually occur during the first few weeks after surgery. If the patient follows the advice of the dentist, the odds of complications are eliminated.
Helpful Tips for Tooth Implants
After placement, your dentist will give you useful tips regarding your tooth implants.
Βleeding
The patient should keep the gauze bitten for at least 2 hours after placement to avoid bleeding and avoid spitting saliva. You should have informed your doctor about the medicine you are taking and affecting blood clotting such as Plavix, Sintrom, aspirin before surgery.
Oral hygiene
- Avoid spitting and rinsing for about 36 hours after surgery. It raises the chance of bleeding and healing delay.
- On the day of the procedure, brush the rest of the teeth as usual. Exclude the teeth located in the area of the treatment. From the next day, you can brush the area softly and after a week as usual.
- Avoid smoking for 2 days after surgery. It Delays healing and facilitates contamination.
- In a glass of tap water, dissolve one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of soda and gargle once a day and once the day after. From day 3 and for one week, several daily mild mouth washes (up to 6 times a day) with lukewarm salt water and soda are suggested for proper oral hygiene and hygiene.