Stages of treatment – „Step by Step” 
Stages of treatment – „Step by Step”
The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by our implantologist who is specially trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. This approach provides coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for you. Implant treatment occurs in two stages: The first stage is known as the surgical portion and the second as the prosthodontic portion.
First stage: surgical portion
After finalizing the treatment plan and conducting the proper diagnostic tests, the actual implant procedure is commenced. The procedure is performed with local anesthetic. The implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from 6 to 12 weeks.
Second stage: prosthodontic portion
Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to the post to securely hold the new crown, bridge or denture. To make your new prosthetic restoration to be placed on the implant, our dentist makes impressions of your teeth, and creates a model of your bite (which captures all of your teeth, their type, and arrangement). The impressions are sent to a laboratory and your new tooth or teeth are based on this model. Our dentist will also match the color of your new teeth to your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth.
You will find more information on the stages of treatment should you be missing a single tooth several teeth or all your teeth.
Single Tooth Replacement
When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
Treatment:
This procedure normally includes four visits to the dental office. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant installed. More information on post surgical care..
Course of treatment step by step:
The dentist makes a first examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.
After the administration of local anesthetic the implant is installed. At this time, a temporary tooth may be provided that as the implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken.
The final step is the placement of the permanent ceramic tooth. The new tooth is installed for life.
You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Do your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean.
Alternatives to ceramic crowns on implants:
Tooth-supported fixed bridge
A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good aesthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorbtion in the edentulous area, and sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge.
Removable partial denture
This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic, a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist: adjacent teeth aren't affected. It is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
Benefits with fixed bridge on implants:
In this case, when replacing three teeth in the far back of the mouth, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the only fixed alternative. Traditional dentures can't offer the same stability or function.
Having dental implants replacing your lost back teeth will give you new, unparalleled strength and stability that allows you to eat what you want. It will also preserve your jawbone and facial appearance.
Treatment:
After the initial examination, you can expect 4-5 additional visits until the final fixed bridge is permanently attached. It is normal to experience some minor bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissue afterwards. Any discomfort is usually treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day. More information on post surgical care.
Course of treatment step by step:
Three teeth at back end of the mouth are missing. The only real replacement alternative is installing a fixed bridge. The bridge contains all teeth in one piece and is anchored on dental implants.
After administration of local anesthesia the implants are installed. This is normally done in a single session. A temporary bridge may be placed at the same time, making it possible for you to function like normal almost immediately after leaving the dentist.
The implants need to integrate with the jawbone before the permanent bridge is attached. This is normally done 1-2 months after the implant installation. The time will vary, depending on the teeth affected and the aesthetical demands.
The new bridge will handle all the pressure that your strong, natural back teeth did. You will have a stable and secure solution that allows you to eat what you want.
Alternatives To Fixed Bridge
Removable partial denture
This alternative is often perceived as uncomfortable and a bit complicated to use. Function ca not be compared to that of a bridge. This denture is made of plastic and metal, which affects its look. It is quite expensive to fabricate due to its many parts. However, the installation process is simple, and natural teeth are spared.
Full Arch Replacement
Benefits of a fixed bridge on implants:
When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution Before dental implants, there were no fixed solution available for people who lost all their teeth. Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge that results in a permanent, stable and high esthetic solution.
Treatment:
The treatment procedure and number of visits is largely dependent on the specific conditions and may greatly vary. In general this procedure is carried with time gaps and in quarter sections. For example, left lower side, right lower side, left upper side and right upper side. The installation of the implants is done on one visit and making the bridge for every quarter section takes another following 4-5 visits. Some symptoms are quite normal after a surgical procedure. We have the means to decrease the intensity by prescribed medication by our surgeon but not eliminate them all together. Usually the patient returns to normal routine duties the following day. More information on post surgical care.
Course of treatment step by step:
The following described procedure is one of many. Our implantologist will choose the best treatment plan in your case.
The implantologist determines what needs to be done and prepares both himself and the patient for the coming treatment procedure.
After the administration of local anesthetic the dental implants to replace the lost tooth roots are installed. In this case, five implants are used. Temporary teeth (dentures) may be attached that enable you to eat and function like normal while waiting for the permanent bridge to be installed.
The final bridge is securely installed on top of the implants. With a full jaw replacement like this, no other treatment is necessary.
Your new teeth should be hard to tell from natural teeth both for you and others. People who have had traditional dentures before getting a fixed bridge often describe this as an overwhelming and very positive experience.
Alternatives to a Fixed Bridge
Removable, implant anchored overdenture
A removable full denture that is connected to either a ball or bar attachment, which in turn is anchored on two or more implants in the front part of the jaw. The implants help keep the denture in place and provide better function and comfort. Cost is usually the reason why this solution is chosen over a fixed bridge, although the end result can't be compared.
Denture Full Removal
A denture that is loosely placed on top of the gum to cover the lost teeth. This alternative has no real advantages except for its low price and easy installation. The disadvantages are many: discomfort in eating, poor esthetics, affected speech, and sore gums from denture movement. Moreover, a full denture placed in the upper jaw severely reduces the sense of taste.
Also see:
- More detailed information about implants and frequently asked questions
- Why it’s worth to choose implants and consequences of not replacing a missing tooth
- Implant systems used in our clinic
- Methods of bone augmentation in preparation for implant treatment
- Cost of treatment with several implantoprosthetic treatment options
