Dental implants: everything you need to know about this procedure

Damaged teeth are treated according to their degree of preservation. If your tooth is no longer strong enough to support a crown, you can get an implant.

It allows you to avoid placing a bridge or a removable appliance that often involves affecting the adjacent teeth. Nutrident explains how this very discreet prosthesis works, allowing you to regain your most beautiful smile.

What does a dental implant look like?

When a tooth is too decayed to be saved or is broken, the dentist may use a crown that rests on the root of your original tooth.

A dental implant is a prosthesis, often made of titanium, that is screwed into the jawbone to replace the root of your tooth. It is cone-shaped with a rounded end that screws into the bone.

If the root is already very damaged, he uses a post to fix the crown. But, if there is no reliable base left to attach to, then he can place a dental implant.

The abutment is attached to this implant and serves as a link between the implant and the crown that covers it.

The aesthetic result is the same as for a crown, i.e. perfectly imperceptible. The implant and its abutment are metallic in color, but completely hidden by the gum and the crown. The latter is made of resin or composite that matches the precise shade of your other teeth.

Depending on your particular case, the dentist has a choice of three types of implants, of different sizes.

1 – The mini implant

The mini implant is the shortest, with less than 10 mm. It is often used to replace small teeth, anterior teeth or teeth that are in a small space in the mouth. It is also popular when the root does not offer enough space for the insertion of a conventional implant in the jaw.

2 – The traditional dental implant

The traditional dental implant is compatible with the majority of cases, provided that you have sufficient bone thickness to fix it. It measures between 10 and 20 mm and has a diameter between 1 and 3 mm.

3 – The basal implant

The basal implant is the longest and is reserved for people whose insufficient bone thickness requires a deeper implant. It is more delicate to place, as it represents a more invasive surgery, but it is a judicious use of bone grafting.

The steps of a dental implant placement

The placement of the dental implant is done in several steps, under local anesthesia, at your dentist's office. In the case of multiple implants, the procedure can be performed under general anesthesia.

First step: preparation of the operation

The dental surgeon takes x-rays of the affected part of your jaw. He then determines the precise dimensions of the bone and can ensure that its structure is compatible with the placement of an implant.

If not, he will consider a bone graft. For the upper jaw, he can also propose a maxillary sinus filling, which consists of filling the aria cavity located inside the jaw, under local anesthesia.

If a graft or a filling was necessary, it is necessary to wait between 6 and 12 months for calcification so that the implant can be fixed on a solid base.

On the other hand, the dentist makes a mold, in order to be able to manufacture the crown.

Second step: implant placement

To screw the implant into the jawbone, the dentist cuts the gum to expose it. He drills the hole and inserts the implant. He then sews up the gum.

Over the next six months, the bone and gum tissues heal while the implant fuses with the bone, a process called osseointegration.

Third step: the installation of the abutment

Now that the implant is an integral part of the jawbone, the surgeon re-cuts the previously healed gum tissue to attach the abutment to the implant. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.

It takes about two weeks for the gingiva to heal around the abutment, without covering it. The dentist may place a bandage over the wound to avoid pressure that could interfere with the healing process, especially during feeding.

Some dentists place the implant and abutment at the same time, so that the gum does not have to be cut twice. There are no contraindications, but the dentist often prefers to allow time for the implant to fuse with the bone, without the protruding abutment moving even slightly.

Fourth and final step: the installation of the dental crown

The installation of the crown is the last step. Made according to your impressions, it corresponds to the gap between your teeth. When it is placed, it often happens that the dentist has to force the passage a little and that you feel tensions the first days.

In fact, remember that you have been missing a tooth for more than six months; nature abhors a vacuum, so your other teeth have started to move to fill the missing space.

It is perfectly normal for the space to be a little small, but all your teeth will return to their natural position within a few days.

If the teeth are front teeth, the dentist can place a temporary prosthesis so that you don't have to wear a toothless smile.

On the other hand, you may also notice a gap between your gum and your brand new denture.

It is also due to the void left for many months. If there are no teeth, your gums will have receded slightly. In a few weeks, it will find its place to ensure the perfect junction with your new tooth.

The advantages and disadvantages of implants

Dental implants are a very long-term solution. For 20 or 30 years, you will not have to intervene. Beyond that, the crown may show signs of failure, but this is not necessarily the case. The implant remains stable.

Implants are preferable to bridges or removable braces. To place it, you have not affected the health of your other teeth, which is the case with the bridge that involves devitalizing and filing the adjacent teeth.

When it comes to oral hygiene, the implant is an integral part of your mouth. You brush your crown like your other teeth. Of course, there is no risk of decay, but at the same time you brush the gums and adjacent teeth, which are susceptible to bacteria.

On the contrary, some braces prevent you from brushing your teeth properly and expose you to cavity-causing bacteria.

The implant itself is invisible, since it is fixed within the jawbone. The abutment and the crown that is attached to it can be made of composite or resin in the exact color of the rest of your teeth.

From a comfort point of view, the implant is perfect and you will quickly forget it.

There are no real disadvantages to having an implant. The problems of installation or rejection are exceptional. You may experience some pain in the days following the surgeries, but the dentist can prescribe painkillers to help you through this period.

The only contraindication is for people with chronic diseases that affect the gums or jaw bones. In this case, they must study the possible alternative with the dentist who follows them.

The major obstacle to implant placement is its price.

How much does a dental implant cost?

The price of a dental implant in France fluctuates between 1 200 € and 2 000 €. This rate depends on your dentist (his region, address and reputation), the number of sessions required and the brand of implant.

Before you begin, your dentist will present you with a quote that details each step and cost. Considered as an “out-of-nomenclature” treatment, dental implants are not reimbursed by social security. Only the crown can be reimbursed, but only for 84 €, or 70% of the basic social security rate of 120 €. On the other hand, the implant can be reimbursed by the health insurance company. Send your dentist's estimate to your mutual insurance company and they will tell you how much they will reimburse you.

You can also consider going through a dental clinic abroad. The three most famous countries for low cost dental surgery in Europe are Hungary, Portugal and Spain. They have highly trained dentists and state-of-the-art equipment, with rates up to 70% lower than in France.

You can choose a well-known dental clinic that is used to working with foreigners. Some even offer “all inclusive” packages that include the hotel. Keep track of the number of visits you need to make. Depending on where you live, you may have a local airport near you that offers low-cost flights to Hungary, Spain or Portugal for €25 round trip.

Although a dental implant may seem a little expensive, you should consider the fact that you will have peace of mind for several decades, that your adjacent teeth will be saved and that it represents the aesthetic ideal when an original tooth can no longer be saved.

Answers to the most frequently asked questions

What are the contraindications of dental implants?

There are certain conditions that contraindicate the practice of dentalimplantology, here are the main ones:

• Severe heart failure;
• Valvular heart pathologies;
• Recent myocardial infarction;
• Immune disorders: immunological diseases, current immunosuppressive treatment…
• Some cancers;
• Certain psychiatric illnesses;
• Periodontal disease (must be treated beforehand);
• Insufficient bone (bone grafting or sinus filling is required beforehand to obtain the necessary bone volume for implant placement);
• No dental implants in children (not before the end of the growth period).

There are many other contraindications, including diabetes, alcoholism and anything else that may prevent proper healing .

What are the side effects of dental implants?

The placement of a implant (or more) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, but the patient may experience some side effects such as pain at the surgical site. Fortunately, these pains are only moderate and can easily be relieved by simple level 1 analgesics (paracetamol for example).

Swelling is also common after dental implant surgery due to the swelling and inflammation caused by the surgical procedure. In this case, there is no need to worry because it spontaneously resorbs very quickly . Otherwise, you can apply ice to the swollen area to soothe the inflammation and accelerate its resorption.

Small amounts of bleeding are also perfectly normal during the 2-3 days following the procedure. In this case, simply apply a compress to the bleeding area and hold it in place by biting it for a few minutes (up to 30 minutes) to stop the bleeding.

Dental implant placement: what are the possible complications?

The placement of one or more dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth is a real surgical procedure. And like any surgical procedure, it involves different risks and may have some complications such as:

• Risks related to anesthesia (e.g. allergy to the anesthetic product);
• Implant rejection;
• Bleeding risk (bleeding that is difficult to manage because of its abundance or recurrence);
• The risk of damaging one or more nerves;
• The risk of damaging the maxillary sinus;
• Allergic reaction: There is a risk that the patient may develop an allergic reaction to the material of which the dental implant is made. An allergy to titanium for example.
• Infections (dental abscesses, periodontitis, bone infection…).

Fortunately, these complications are very rare, because we take the maximum precautions before, during and after the operation to avoid them.

How does dental implant rejection manifest itself?

So first of all, it's not a ” rejection ” in the true sense of the word. Indeed, it is not an immunological reaction like the one observed after a transplant. In the case of a dental implant, we would rather talk about implant failure.

Implant failure is simply when the osseointegration of the implant does not go well. This means that the bone tissue will not stabilize and fill the spaces around the implant .

Here's how to recognize an implant failure:

• Mobility of the implant: the dental implant is not supposed to move, especially after several weeks of the operation.
• Pressure pain: chewing becomes impossible, because violent pain is triggered by the slightest pressure on the implant or the denture.
• Pain in the gums: intermittent or even permanent in some cases.
• Pus discharge (sign of infection and abscess formation).
• Visible implant: the gum is so retracted that the implant becomes visible in the mouth.
• Spontaneous expulsion of the implant in the final stage.

How long does a dental implant last?

The dentalimplant, once well integrated into the bone tissue of the jaw, can accompany you for the rest of your life! However, you should be aware that dentures attached to implants can deteriorate over the years. You can then simply attach new ones to the same dental implants and you're done!

At what age can I get a dental implant?

Despite popular belief, implants and dentures are not reserved for the elderly, even though removable dentures are more common among them. In fact, there are dozens of situations for which these devices are indicated as replace a tooth broken or severely decayed, to remedy dental agenesis (lack of development of one or more teeth)… These situations can occur at any age, and therefore an implant and a dental prosthesis can be placed at any age. However, dental surgeons prefer to perform this technique after the age of 18, when the teenager's growth is complete.

Tips for maintaining a dental implant

After a dental implant is placed, it is important to take a number of steps to maintain it, avoid rejection (implant failure) and extend its life as much as possible. Here are some tips to apply:

• To have an impeccable oral hygiene: the installation of a dental implant implies a reinforcement of the hygiene measures with multi-daily dental brushing by taking care to brush the natural teeth as well as the prostheses and the gums. It is also important to use brushes and dental floss for the interdental spaces. (note that the use of an electric toothbrush is prohibited during the first 3 months). Obviously, the operated area should not be aggressed and should be cleaned as gently as possible.
• Avoid chewing on the operated side during the first 3 months after placement to avoid destabilizing the implants (risk of implant failure).
• Avoid hot or cold foods or drinks as they can damage the wounds and delay healing.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages as this delays healing.
• Prefer soft foods (mix foods) and liquids during the first days after the operation in order not to put pressure on the implants that are not yet stabilized (osseointegration not yet done).
• Avoid sports (at least too intense) for 7 to 21 days after the implant placement, as this will delay healing somewhat.
• Consult the dentist regularly for appropriate monitoring.