The implantation process
Modern implant design and materials make the prospects for long-term success exceedingly good.
Prerequisites for implantation
It is important for your sense of well-being that during the implantation treatment period you are always provided with a temporary restoration between visits to the dentist.
Jawbone strength varies depending on the exact position of the missing tooth or teeth. A basic prerequisite for implantation is that there is a sufficient volume of strong bone to support the implant. If the bone is too porous, it can be surgically augmented prior to the implantation treatment. If there are natural teeth present, the surrounding teeth need to be healthy. It is also important that patients are not suffering from any infections, and that the immune system is not in a weakened state.
How are implants fitted?
If you decide on an implant-based restoration, there will be several stages in the process of fitting the implants (depending on individual factors). You will have a temporary restoration until the implants have fully fused with the bone and healed into the jaw.
Implants can be fitted years after the tooth or teeth were lost (long-delayed implantation), at the same time as teeth are removed (primary implantation) or after the soft tissues have healed following an extraction (secondary implantation). Your dentist will be able to explain the potential advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives for you, bearing in mind your individual indication.
- The implant itself is surgically inserted into the jaw during a small operation. The bone is exposed by making an incision in the gum and periosteum (a fibrous sheath that covers the bone). A special precision instrument is used to drill into the jawbone and the implant is screwed in. Then the gums are closed with stitches and a temporary restoration is fitted over the implant head.
- It takes around three months for the lower jaw and six months for the upper jaw for the implant to integrate with the bone and form a very strong bond. During this time the implant should not be subjected to high degrees of mechanical pressure.
- After the healing period, we will make your permanent restoration and your dentist will fit it. This involves opening the gum covering the implant and allowing it to heal over a period of about three weeks. Then the permanent restoration can be prepared and attached to the implant. The implantation process is now finished and the restoration can be subjected to chewing pressure straight away.