FAQ

Implants are placed when:

• The construction of complete dentures is problematic.
• Some or all of the conventional methods are not acceptable by the patient.
• Missing teeth that cannot be replaced by fixed bridges.
• Neighboring teeth are healthy (avoid grinding healthy teeth to construct conventional bridges).
• When it is necessary to improve aesthetics and chewing ability by restoring the “feeling of natural teeth”.

The range of conditions in which a dental implant can be placed is:

• The lack of a tooth: The implant replaces the lost tooth, without grinding the neighboring teeth, as it would happen with the construction of a conventional bridge.
• The lack of more teeth: If the gap is small, then the number of implants is equal to the number of missing teeth (eg two implants for two teeth). If the gap is large, implants are placed as a bridge support. In this case the number of implants is less than the number of teeth to be replaced (eg three implants – supports for a five-tooth bridge).
• The lack of posterior teeth: If the posterior teeth are missing, it is not possible to build a bridge. The only solution seems to be an artificial denture, which will be supported on the existing teeth but also on the oral mucosa, replacing the missing teeth. On the contrary, by placing implants in the posterior area of the jaw, artificial dentures are avoided, as this provides sufficient support for fixed restorations.

The checkpoints that need to be evaluated prior to implant placement are the following:

• The general health and well-being of the patient needs to be assessed.
• The overall oral hygiene of the patient needs to be evaluated and any remaining teeth on the patient’s mouth should be treated, if needed.
• It should be made sure that the patient fully understands the implant consultation provided by our surgical team and every question should be answered in detail.

Dental implants are suitable for everyone above the age of 18.

Dental implants are a good choice for replacing lost teeth in all adult patients who are in good health. If a patient has any underlying condition he or she will also be suitable for dental implants provided that he or she informs our surgical team in order to keep the underlying condition under control. It is also of the utmost importance that our team provides sedation in Hygeia hospital during the surgical procedure. Even though it is also allowed to provide sedation in our ZAB implant specialists clinic, it is even safer to be provided in a hospitalized environment, especially if a patient has any underlying condition.

It is a simple and painless procedure, which is performed under local dental anesthesia and neuroleptic analgesia (intoxication), at the patient’s choice. The required work of the surgical stage is performed in the same session. Then, the patient waits 3-4 months before the placement of the permanent prosthetic work, a period during which it is necessary to wait in order for the bone to be attached to the implant (osseointegration).

Permanent prosthetic restorations are completed in three to four months, but in the meantime we provide the patient with a temporary prosthetic solution.

Before the implant placement, the dentist and the orthodontist perform a thorough examination of the mouth with x-rays of the jaw and medical visits, diagnostic tests, models.

Firstly, it is determined radiologically if there is enough space for the implants, if the bone is adequate enough, and if new bone needs to be regenerated at the site where the implants are planned to be placed. Radiological examination is necessary to determine the exact location of the titanium wedge.

*The patient is instructed not to eat or drink anything for 7 hours prior to coming in for surgery. As this is important in order for the neurolept anesthesia (intoxication) to be performed with safety. *

On the day of the surgery, patients receive analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. If the patient has undergone neurolept anesthesia (intoxication) it is not allowed for him/her to drive the day of the surgery. Our team cooperates with a driving company to safely drive you home. Following the surgery, especially the first 48 hours, there might be slight swelling and bruising. Ice packs are provided by us and should be used for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Also, as a precaution, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent possible postoperative infection.

The improvement is immediate. Before the final prosthetic work is placed, a temporary one will be made during this time.

In order for the implants to be placed, the development of the jaws must have preceded (16th to 18th year of age).

Conditions that have to do with the general health of the patient need special attention. Our anesthesiologist will make sure that you are monitored thoroughly. For example, diabetes or hypertension are not a contraindication, as long as they are regulated with medication. Cardiac problems associated with either previous surgery or medication (eg anticoagulants), if monitored by your cardiologist, do not limit the placement of implants. Bone diseases (eg osteoporosis) are a relative contraindication, especially when they are severe and are treated with drugs such as bisphosphonates. In the case of osteoporosis implants can of course be placed, as long as the patient has contacted his physician and has been away from the medication for some time. Conditions associated with suppression of the immune system (transplants, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.) do not allow any surgical approach until the immune system has been recovered over time. Finally, smoking is not a contraindication, however it reduces the success rates of osseointegration.

The most important advantage of dental implants is that they constitute the stable base for artificial teeth and preserve the integrity of the adjacent teeth and bone structure. With traditional methods, healthy adjacent teeth need to be sharpened in order for a crown or a bridge to rest on them. In addition, because the root of the tooth is not replaced, the bone in the course can atrophy and recede.  By choosing the dental implant, the lost root of the tooth is replaced, forming a stable base for the artificial tooth, without the need for grinding the adjacent healthy teeth. Dental implants improve the appearance because they look natural. In addition, they improve speech and chewing.

The patient now feels comfortable and regains his smile and self-esteem, which he lost along with his natural teeth. Still, they are desirable and easy to use because they stay stable, without the need of glue. It is important that dental implants are placed in difficult cases, giving long-term solutions, relieving patients from the stress of dentures, while giving the patient opportunities he had lost.

Long-term studies of the department confirm a success rate of over 95% after 10 years. Careful treatment planning, proper implant placement, regular check-ups by your dentist and proper oral hygiene are all important factors for the long-term success of your implant.

Concerning dental implants and smoking, it is recommended by our team that you should brush your teeth/implants thoroughly after every 3 cigarettes or after every cigar!

Our team will provide you with a detailed explanation on the exact process of implant cleaning. You should provide yourself with a soft toothbrush, a toothpaste and a mouth wash. We recommend the Unisept Implants toothpaste and the Unisept implants mouthwash by Intermed.