Implantology

Implantology

a modern and effective method of restoring missing teeth, which allows patients to gain not only extraordinary comfort, but also high aesthetics. Implantation procedures are carried out at Dentopolis in Poznań by experienced dental surgeons Przemysław Leszczyński and Hubert Pietrusza. Marcin Grącki is a dentist specializing in implant prosthetics. We have many years of experience in implantology, we use the latest Alpha Bio system and the best preparations for bone augmentation. Our specialists are constantly expanding their knowledge in the field of implantology, dental surgery and prosthetics. We attach great importance to accurate diagnosis and holistic treatment of the patient.

What is an implant?

Implantology describes them as an “artificial root” that we insert into the maxilla or mandible. It is made of titanium so is not treated as a foreign body. It connects to the appropriate tissues in a process that is professionally called osseointegration. A porcelain prosthetic crown rests on it. Importantly, implants are felt by the patient like natural teeth, they are safe and very durable. Thanks to implants, your smile becomes healthy and aesthetic again.

Implants prevent the occurrence of degenerative changes. After tooth extraction and bone loss occlusal disorders and occlusal problems may occur. With the loss of several teeth and the resulting bone loss, facial features also change. It is extremely important to replace the tooth with an implant as soon as possible after tooth extraction. An alternative to the implant is a bridge – which, unfortunately, does not stop the process of bone loss and requires reshaping/preparation of the adjacent teeth. With very high atrophy, it happens that the bridge is the only alternative to the implant.

When is the best time to use implants?

Lack of a single tooth: thanks to the implant, preparation of adjacent teeth is avoided as in the case of a bridge. Lack of restoration is associated with the displacement of adjacent teeth, malocclusion, and bone loss.

Lack of molars: side teeth are support zones, and their absence causes changes in bone structures, muscles and periodontium. In turn, the lack of front teeth is not only a malocclusion problem, but also a huge aesthetic one. It may cause problems with the pronunciation of some syllables and a decrease in self-esteem.

Edentulism: in the case of edentulism, 2, 4 or 6 implants are most often used, on which we place bridges or dentures. Traditional prostheses cause discomfort during eating and everyday functioning, they are also the cause of bone loss. Patients most often appreciate the comfort of use in the prosthesis on implants (it does not hurt and does not fall). A bridge on 6 implants is the most comfortable solution for the patient, it is a permanent supplement that gives the patient the same comfort as their own teeth. More about implant solutions in the case of complete toothlessness can be found here.

Implant placement procedure

Step 1 – visit to the dental surgeon

During a visit to a dental surgeon, the patient’s needs are analyzed and possible contraindications to the procedure are excluded. The condition of the bone and the conditions for implant insertion are assessed on the basis of a pantomographic image and computed tomography. Already at this stage, prosthetic treatment is planned. We present the treatment plan to the patient along with the costs of individual stages. We attach great importance to accurate diagnostics.

Step 2 – medical examination

Every patient must undergo blood tests. Some diseases are a contraindication to implant placement. These include: advanced osteoporosis, diseases related to blood coagulation disorders, unregulated diabetes, epilepsy, cancer.

Step 3 – implant placement

The procedure itself takes several dozen minutes and is completely painless. The patient is locally anesthetized during the procedure. The standard procedure consists in minimally exposing the bone and then making a hole in it in order to insert the implant in this place. In the important documents section you can read the recommendations after the implantation procedure.

After a few months needed for the formation of a sufficiently strong integration of the implant with the bone (depending on the implantation site, from 3 to 6 months), new teeth are made on the implants.

In the case of bone loss, bone augmentation (bone regeneration) is performed. Augmentation is a procedure involving the use of bone-forming material (of natural or synthetic origin). Natural materials are of animal origin, thanks to their similarity to human tissues, they stimulate bone regeneration processes. The use of osteogenic materials in most clinical cases gives a chance for full success of the procedure.

We also use osteogenic materials in combination with the patient’s own bone or mixed with PRF. It is a “sticky bone” method and consists in collecting the patient’s blood and preparing a special plasma centrifuge. Combined with the osteoinductive material, a full-fledged bone is formed.

In the lateral sections of the maxilla, in the case of long-term tooth loss, the maxillary sinus is lowered. In such a situation, to insert the implants the sinus lift is needed. The procedure consists in improving bone conditions by lifting the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus and filling it with bone graft material. The resulting bone volume allows the insertion of the implant.

After the implantation procedure, in most cases, temporary restorations are made for the time of integration of the implant with the bone. These can be PMMA crowns, fiberglass bridges or dentures. The patient can function normally before the final prosthetic restoration is made. The dentist informs about the possibilities and type of temporary restorations in a given case.

Step 4

After about 6 months in the maxilla and 3 months in the mandible, the implant is uncovered  and a healing screw is placed to shape the gum.

After 10-14 days, you can proceed to the last stage, i.e. prosthetic restoration.

In the absence of a single tooth, this is a ceramic crown. In the case of complete toothlessness, these are dentures on 4 implants or bridges on 6 implants- all on 6.

Porcelain crowns on metal are durable, but differ in aesthetics from zirconia restorations or all-ceramic crowns. Over time, unsightly bruises around the gums may appear. Crowns on metal are recommended in the posterior section.

All-ceramic crowns on implants are often chosen as an anterior restoration. They are characterized by a translucency similar to natural teeth, with the use of an individual zirconia abutment they are often indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Zirconia crowns are recommended both in the posterior and anterior segments. There is a layer of zirconium under the porcelain layer, strengthening the crown and ensuring a high level of aesthetics. Zirconium is a material that is biocompatible with the human body.

At Dentopolis we attach great importance to the aesthetics of prosthetic restorations, we work with the best dental technicians. We recreate the natural surface and anatomical shape of the tooth so that they are difficult to distinguish from natural teeth. Crowns are supposed to look natural, harmonize with the face, and be adjusted to the age of the patient.

The prosthetic stage takes about 3-4 weeks.

Step 5 – Check-up

Check-up after implant placement should be performed every 6 months.

Remember about regular hygiene visits. Only regular control and hygienic visits are able to ensure the maximum durability of the restoration.