Dental Implants,
the complete patient's guide
Today, dental implants are the state-of-the-art tooth replacement systems and are now more common than ever before.
In the past, implants often failed. Now, the typical life of an implant is about 15 years or longer. About 95% of implants today are successful.

Dental implants are a highly debatable subject in dentistry. In later years, because of the ever-increasing demand for dental implants, implantology has experienced a spectacular development and the technology continues to improve.
The industry has also focused on reducing treatment time and some implants can be placed immediately after tooth extraction as opposed to waiting six months after extraction.
In this article, we aim to offer you a complete guide that tries to deal with all the important aspects of dental implant treatments.
The guide is primarily intended for patients who are planning to have dental implants, but it may prove very useful to anyone searching for information on this topic.
Summary
- What are dental implants?
- Why are dental implant restorations superior?
- Other important advantages
- Drawbacks
- Indications
- Contraindications
- Dental implants structure
- Planning for dental implants
- Dental implant procedure
- Care and maintenance
- Risks and complications
Top
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are metal devices that are surgically inserted into the jawbone in order to replace one or more missing teeth.
Normally, dental implants support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, removable dentures but sometimes they may act as orthodontic anchors (in order to align and straighten teeth).

implant-supported bridge

implant-supported denture
First, a surgical procedure is required to place the dental implant inside the jawbone. The basis for modern dental implants is a biologic process called osseointegration where materials, such as titanium, form an intimate bond to bone. A variable amount of healing time is required for osseointegration (3 to 6 months).
After the healing time, an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment will hold the dental prosthesis (crown, bridge, removable denture).

Why are dental implant restorations superior?
A lot of patients may wonder why they should choose dental implants (which entail a higher cost) over traditional dental restorations supported on natural teeth.
The great advantage of a dental implant is that it replaces the missing tooth in the most natural way possible. Dental implants "fuse" with the bone thanks to the biological process called osseointegration.
Thanks to this process, implant-supported prostheses offer a variety of advantages compared to conventional restorations.
The main objective of any dental restoration is the proper replacement of the missing teeth.
Teeth have 3 functions: Chewing, Aesthetics, and Pronunciation. When a dental restoration is designed, one of the main goals is to restore these functions as close as possible to natural teeth.
Let's compare implant restorations to traditional restoration in rehabilitating teeth's main functions:
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Mastication or chewing process
Mastication is the most important dental process. When a restoration is designed, it is important to rehabilitate this process as closely as possible to natural teeth. When this goal is achieved, patients will adapt very quickly to the new restoration.
When an implant-supported denture is manufactured, the chewing forces are passed to the surrounding bone just as in the case of natural teeth (see left image). Consequently, chewing comfort is excellent because dental implants function remarkably like natural teeth.
chewing forces in case of a dental implant
chewing forces in case of a removable dentures
By contrast, when a traditional denture is designed, some of the chewing forces are passed to the underneath gums as dentures usually rest exclusively on the gums. This is not the natural way, hence it takes longer to get used to a removable denture.
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Aesthetics
Restoring aesthetics is for many patients the most important goal. The general aesthetic of an implant-supported reconstruction is great. A dental implant restores a lost tooth so that it looks, feels, fits, and functions almost like a natural tooth.
restoring aesthetics with
two implant-supported crowns -
Phonation or pronunciation
The normal speech can be disturbed when upper front teeth are missing (particularly incisors). It is well known that these teeth have an important role in some consonants pronunciation.
Adjusting to traditional removable dentures can mean struggling to pronounce everyday words, at least until mouth tissues adapt to the new situation (which can take several weeks). Not so with dental implants, which function almost like natural teeth.
Other important advantages
Dental implants reduce the load on the remaining oral structures (teeth, gums, jawbone) by offering independent support and retention to crowns, bridges and removable dentures.
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Dental implants preserve natural tooth tissue by avoiding the need to prepare adjacent teeth for conventional restorations (for example, a traditional dental bridge).
Tooth preparation involves permanently removing parts of the tooth's original structure, including portions that might still be healthy and structurally sound.
single tooth gap: if a traditional dental bridge is designed, the preparation of the adjacent teeth is required
single tooth gap: if an implant-supported crown is manufactured, the adjacent teeth remain untouched
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Dental implants will preserve bone and significantly reduce bone resorption and deterioration that results in loss of jawbone height.
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Implant supported dentures may allow chewing the food better and speaking more clearly. Studies have shown that these prostheses contribute to improved chewing efficiency and speaking, compared to full dentures.
implant-supported denture
full denture
Dental implants drawbacks
If there are no general or local contraindications, dental implants have few drawbacks.
A surgical procedure for implant placement and a period of healing is necessary before the prosthesis may be completed.
Dental implant procedures may entail an increase in cost compared to conventional dentistry.
Indications
Dental implants are the state-of-the-art tooth replacement systems. Dental implants can successfully restore all forms of partial edentulism (one or several teeth are missing) and complete edentulism (all teeth from a dental arch are missing).
Here are some situations when dental implants are strongly indicated:
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Single unit toothless gap with healthy adjacent teeth
When a single tooth is missing, an implant-supported crown will preserve the adjacent natural teeth by avoiding the need to prepare them. If the toothless gap is restored with a traditional dental bridge, both adjacent teeth will have to be prepared.
This operation involves permanently removing parts of the teeth's original structure, including portions that might still be healthy and structurally sound.
single unit toothless gap
an implant-supported crown is the best treatment option
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Partial edentulism with the back (posterior) tooth missing
These conditions imply the absence of several posterior teeth (molars and/or premolars) on one or both sides of the dental arch (Kennedy class 1 or Kennedy class 2).
In these cases, traditional dental bridges (supported by natural teeth) are difficult to design because the back support tooth is missing. Removable partial dentures generally require the preparation of several teeth.
Implant supported prostheses, although entailing a higher cost, are highly indicated in these clinical situations.
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Complete edentulism
When all teeth are missing, the only traditional solution available is a full removable denture.
Implant supported prosthesis (either fixed or removable) allow to chew the food better, speak more clearly and they have a superior stability.
implant-supported
removable denturefull denture
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Other situations when dental implants may be indicated
- Patients who cannot tolerate a removable restoration (removable denture).
- Patients with high aesthetic and/or functional demands.
Contraindications
General contraindications
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Absolute contraindications
Some serious general conditions make anesthesia, surgical procedures and the overall placement inadvisable.
- Heart diseases affecting the valves, recent infarcts, severe cardiac insufficiency, cardiomyopathy
- Active cancer, certain bone diseases (osteomalacia, Paget's disease, brittle bones syndrome, etc.)
- Certain immunological diseases, immunosuppressant treatments, clinical AIDS, awaiting an organ transplant
- Certain mental diseases
- Strongly irradiated jaw bones (radiotherapy treatment)
- Treatments of osteoporosis or some cancers by bisphosphonates
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Relative contraindications
Other situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Most often, dental implants can only be placed (with the greatest caution) after some preliminary treatments.
- Diabetes (particularly insulin-dependent)
- Angina pectoris (angina)
- Significant consumption of tobacco
- Certain mental diseases
- Certain auto-immunes diseases
- Drug and alcohol dependency
- Pregnancy
Age
- Children: not before the jaw bones have stopped growing (in general 17-18 years).
- On the other hand, advanced age does not pose problems if the patient's general condition is good.
Local contraindications
Some conditions or physiological changes, usually inside the mouth cavity, may temporarily prevent the placement of dental implants. Most of the times, these conditions can be remedied before the implants are inserted in the jawbone.
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There is insufficient bone to support the implants or bone structure is inadequate (due to some chronic infections or other conditions). To ensure a good prognosis, a dental implant must be surrounded by healthy bone tissue.
a dental implant must be surrounded
by healthy bone tissue (with red) -
Important anatomical structures such as the maxillary sinus, the inferior alveolar nerve (located inside the mandible), have an abnormal position that can interfere with the dental implants.
lowering of the maxillary sinus
Adjunctive surgical procedures have to be performed before the placement of dental implants. These procedures aim to increase the amount of bone, so more bone is available to support the implants.
Some local diseases of the oral mucosa or alveolar bone can temporarily prevent the placement of dental implants until the conditions are treated.
Hypersensitivity or other allergic reactions; rarely occurs.
Poor oral hygiene.
Bruxism or involuntary grinding of the teeth.
What is the structure of a dental implant restoration?
Most often, a dental implant restoration consists of 3 parts:

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Dental implant - A surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge or removable denture.
A surgical procedure is required to place the dental implant inside the jawbone. One or more implants may be required for a specific case.
For example, when a single tooth is missing, a single implant will be positioned. If all teeth from a dental arch are missing, 4 to 8 implants may be required to support the restoration.
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Abutment - Implant abutments are artificial devices that are connected to the dental implants after the healing process is over.
The abutments are used to attach a crown, bridge, or removable denture to the implant fixtures.
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Prosthetic device - Dental implants can support a large variety of prosthetic devices: dental crowns, dental bridges and various types of implant-supported removable dentures.
1. Dental implant
Dental implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so there is one to suit every clinical situation. An implant is actually an "artificial tooth root"; the implant surface is ribbed for better integration into bone tissue.

dental implants
Implants are also threaded; when they are screwed into the bone, they collect bone tissue so that the implant is as stable as possible when it integrates into the bone.
Some implants are molded as one piece with the crown; in this case, the type of the crown is pre-determined. More often, an abutment is attached to the implant after the healing period; this allows for more fine-tuning.
Manufacturing material
Most often, dental implants are made of titanium. Titanium is the most favored material by most of the dental clinicians and implant manufacturing companies due to its high biocompatibility, non-allergic and tissue friendly nature and its great ability to make a connection of its surface with the alveolar bone for the process of osseointegration.
Besides titanium, zirconium dental implants have lately emerged. Even though they are relatively new, there has been a considerable increase in the use of these dental implants.

2. Abutment
Abutments are manufactured in a range of sizes and shapes and are usually delivered by manufacturing companies along with the implants. From the various range of abutments, the ones that best fit the clinical case are selected.

Manufacturing materials
Implant abutments can be made from a variety of materials, such as titanium, surgical stainless steel, gold and, more recently, zirconium.
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Titanium abutments
Titanium abutments are widely used due to the excellent properties of the titanium alloys. They have a very good strength and biocompatibility and can be used for any type of prosthetic restoration.
titanium abutments
Most clinicians feel more comfortable using a metal prosthetic abutment in the posterior molar areas, due to the increased masticatory forces present in these areas.
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Zirconium abutments
Zirconium abutments are more modern abutments, which are used to better complement the aesthetics of a dental implant restoration.
When all ceramics or zirconium restorations are planned, zirconium implant abutments provide a highly desirable option. When a zirconium abutment is used, the problem of matching the shade of adjacent teeth while hiding the dark color of the metal abutment is avoided.
Moreover, in 2011, a one-piece zirconia implant (fixture and abutment) was introduced into the market.
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Other materials
Besides titanium and zirconium, artificial abutments can be made of other materials: gold alloy, stainless steel etc. Although indications are narrower, there are situations in which these may be successfully utilized.

zirconium abutments

gold abutments
How is an implant abutment selected?
When the practitioner selects the abutments, several factors are involved:
The type of prosthesis that is executed: crown, fixed bridge or removable denture
How the restoration is attached to the abutments: with dental cement, with lag-screws or with special retainers
The position of the implant inside the mouth cavity: generally, larger artificial abutments are positioned in the back of the mouth because of the increased chewing forces
3. Implant supported prostheses
Dental implants can support a large variety of prosthetic devices. When planning for a type of implant-supported restoration, several factors are involved:
- The number and position of missing teeth
- The overall clinical conditions
- Aesthetic and functional demands
- Geographical location: different types of prostheses can be designed in various parts of the world
- Whether a patient can afford the designed solution
- The expertise and preferences of each practitioner
Dental crown
An implant-supported crown is normally indicated when a single tooth is missing. However, it is possible to design adjacent single unit crowns when several teeth are missing.

The dental crowns can be made of porcelain fused to metal alloys (gold, titanium, base metals), zirconia or all ceramics. The time of execution is relatively short and the prognosis is very good.
Dental bridge
Many patients prefer fixed implant-supported bridges because they do not have to be removed for cleaning. Bridges are permanently secured to the implants either with dental cement or with lag-screws. Large dental bridges supported by many implants can be quite expensive.

It is not advisable to design dental bridges that are supported by both natural teeth and dental implants (with some exceptions). This could lead to the loosening of the implants (because of natural teeth physiologic mobility) and failure.

The graphic above shows an implant in a bridge connection with a natural tooth. The movability of the tooth causes the chewing forces to act as a lever on the rigid implant situation.
It is also important to design enough implant units to adequately support the bridge. For example, if all teeth are missing and a fixed dental bridge is designed, at least 6 implants are required to support the bridgework.
Dentures
An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants. An implant-supported denture should be daily removed, to clean the denture and gum area.

Compared to a traditional denture (full denture) which rests exclusively on the gums, implant supported dentures allow chewing the food better, speaking more clearly and provide a better stability.
Removable dentures are designed when a large number (most of the times, all) of teeth are missing. When a removable denture is worn, retainers to hold the denture in place are attached to the implants and the denture.
Special retainers
Most often, the retainers are made of two components:

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A male-adapter attached to the implant
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A female adapter housed in the denture. This part will require periodic replacement.

the male-adapters
are attached to the implants

the female-adapters
are housed in the denture
There are various types of adapters designed to hold overdentures in place: the ball-and-socket style retainer (image above) and the button-style adapter are just two examples.
Another variation is when a cast bar of metal is secured to the implants. The complete denture then attaches to the bar with attachments allowing no movement of the denture (image below).

Orthodontic anchors
Dental implants can be used as orthodontic anchors in order to align teeth. Orthodontic implants are different from the ones used for prosthetics, as there is no osseointegration. Mini-implants provide absolute anchorage and they have revolutionized the field of orthodontics.
Planning for dental implants
In the presence of healthy tissues, well integrated dental implants with appropriate biomechanical loads can have long term success rates: 93 to 98 percent for the fixture and 10 to 15 years lifespan for the prosthetic teeth.
For this, proper planning is essential. The medical examination and the imaging methods allow the practitioner to devise a treatment plan that will give the implant-supported prosthesis the best prognosis.
a. Medical examination
The medical examination will have to focus on all the important issues, from general health conditions to local conditions, the assessment of bone support, the soft tissue structure etc.
The medical examination involves the taking of the medical history - an account of the symptoms as experienced by the patient, followed by the physical examination.
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Medical history
The medical history is a discussion with the patient, during which the physician tries to gain useful information about the patient general health condition, local conditions, previous surgery, medication, allergies, and others.
This information is important in planning for implants since some health conditions or drug use may contraindicate or restrict the placement of implants. For example, long-term steroid use, osteoporosis and other diseases that affect the bones can increase the risk of early failure of implants.
The doctor may ask specific questions about various factors he considers important in formulating the diagnosis.
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Physical examination
During the physical examination, the practitioner carefully investigates the entire oral cavity, focusing on the area that needs the implant reconstruction. Specific methods are used: inspection (or visual examination), palpation and percussion with the help of the examination tools.
All the important aspects are examined. Additional important information is obtained after a dental radiography and/or a CT scan.
b. Imaging methods
Imaging methods such as X-rays or CT scans are vital tools in devising the treatment plan. Imaging methods will give precise information that the practitioner can use and details that are impossible to detect during the medical examination.
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Dental X-ray
The dental X-rays are still the standard way to get an image of the mouth structures prior to placing dental implants. Various views are available: periapical view, panoramic films, skull radiography or sinus radiography.
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CT scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body.
A CT scan provides three-dimensional images of a high quality and extreme complexity. CT scanning software is becoming a viable tool in the diagnosing of dental implant position and placement.
CT scan
The CT scanning software allows the dentist to determine if bone quantity and quality exists and can be used to virtually place dental implants using the computer program prior to any surgical intervention. Thus, it eliminates the possible manual placement errors and matches planning to prosthetic requirements.
Besides that, other information is still available on a CT scan: bone infections, possible tumors, blood vessels and the position of important anatomical structures; the use of CT scanning in complex cases helps the surgeon identify and avoid vital structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve and the sinus.
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Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
A CBCT is a compact, faster and safer version of the regular CT. Through the use of a cone shaped X-Ray beam, the size of the scanner, radiation dosage and time needed for scanning are all dramatically reduced.
CBCT with more windows
The CBCT produces 3D types images that let the dentist look at mouth structures from different vantage points; it can show the width of mouth structures in addition to their height. It also can show things like cysts and impacted teeth, as well as nerves and arteries that might make the implantation more challenging.
Other imaging methods are available like an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These do not use radiation.
c. Treatment plan
An accurate treatment plan will have a positive impact on the success rate of the implant fixtures and the lifespan of the prosthetic device. That is why this is probably the most important step of the entire treatment.
When the treatment plan is designed, all the important issues will have to be considered:
- the data obtained from the medical history and the physical examination
- the information gathered from the dental X-rays, CT scan and other imaging methods
- patient preferences for a particular prosthetics; for example, some people prefer to have fixed (permanent) crown and bridgework instead of removable ones
- patient financial situation and time available; sometimes, patients cannot afford a particular solution
- other factors can be involved depending on the clinical situation, geographic area, practitioner preferences etc
These are the main steps of a properly devised treatment plan.
Dental implant procedure
After the treatment plan has been devised, all surgical and prosthetic procedures are clearly established. As a result, the implant procedure is ready to go. Several steps are involved:
The treatment of all existing conditions
It is essential that before any surgical procedures, all structures inside the mouth cavity are healthy or properly treated. Otherwise, there is a great risk of failure.
- The treatment of teeth decays
- The treatment of gingivitis, periodontal disease, and any other soft tissue conditions
- Endodontic therapy for the teeth with chronic infections
- Professional dental cleaning and the removal of dental tartar (scaling)
- The teeth that can no longer be treated are extracted
These operations should be completed before any surgery takes place.
Adjunctive surgical procedures
For an implant to osseointegrate, it needs to be surrounded by a healthy quantity of bone.

a dental implant must be surrounded
by healthy bone tissue (with red)
If the size and/or structure of the bone is not adequate to support the designed implants, adjunctive surgical procedures are planned to increase the amount of bone.
Other adjunctive procedures aim to recreate the soft tissues that surround the implants or to reposition anatomical structures that might interfere with the dental implants.

lowering of the maxillary sinus
sinus lift is indicated before the implants are placed
While there are many types of adjunctive procedures, these are the most common:
Sinus lift is a surgical procedure which aims to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, in the area of premolar and molar teeth, by sacrificing some of the volume of the maxillary sinus.
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Bone graft is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone in order to repair bone fractures that are extremely complex or to increase the amount of bone in a particular site for various reasons.
In dental implantology, both procedures are used to increase the amount of bone, so more bone is available to support the implants.
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Soft tissue reconstruction (or gum graft) is a surgical procedure that aims to cover an area of exposed tooth root surface or dental implant with grafted oral tissue.
When replacing a tooth with an implant, a band of strong, attached gingiva is needed to keep the implant healthy in the long-term.
Alveolar nerve repositioning is a complex surgical procedure that is used when the inferior alveolar nerve (located inside the mandible), has an abnormal position that can interfere with the dental implants.
Depending on the clinical conditions, these procedures are performed either before (more often) the base procedure or during implant placement.
Dental implant surgery
The surgical placement of dental implants is a painless procedure that can last a variable time (from 10 min to 2 hours) depending on how many implants are inserted.
Dental implant procedure is normally performed by the oral surgeon or another specialized physician under local anesthesia. However, in some cases, general anesthesia can also be used.
Timing of implants after extraction of teeth
There are different approaches to placement of dental implants after tooth extraction:
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Immediate post-extraction implant placement
An increasingly common strategy to preserve bone and reduce treatment time includes the placement of a dental implant into a recent extraction site. On the one hand, it shortens treatment time and can improve aesthetics because the soft tissue envelope is preserved.
On the other hand, implants may have a slightly higher rate of initial failure. This approach can only be used in specific situations and patients need to be carefully evaluated for their suitability.
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Delayed immediate post-extraction implant placement
The implant is placed two weeks to three months after extraction. The procedure requires some type of bone grafting to create a bony base for the implant.
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Late implantation
The surgery is performed three months or more after tooth extraction. It is the most prudent approach; during this time, the body will grow new bone inside the alveolar socket (where the tooth was formerly held).
Surgery technique
Most implant systems have five basic steps for placement of each implant.
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Soft tissue reflection
The aim of this step is to expose the bone in the area where the implant is placed. An incision is made over the crest of bone splitting the soft tissue. The edges of tissue, each referred to as a flap are pushed back to expose the bone.
soft tissue reflection
Flapless surgery is an alternate technique, where a small punch of tissue (the diameter of the implant) is removed for implant placement rather than raising flaps.
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Drilling
For this operation, specific titanium burs are utilized. A cooling saline or water spray keeps the temperature low to prevent bone damage caused by overheating.
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To guide optimal positioning of the implants, a guidance stent can be utilized
guidance stent
Pilot holes are placed with precision drills at highly regulated speed to prevent burning or pressure necrosis of the bone
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The pilot holes are expanded by using progressively wider drills, typically between three and seven successive drilling steps, depending on implant width and length.
drilling
The last drill used matches implant dimensions (width and length)
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Placement of the implants
The implant is screwed into place at a precise torque so as not to overload the surrounding bone (which may cause osteonecrosis and the failure of the implant). A specific screw-key is utilized for the operation.
placement of the implant phase 1
placement of the implant phase 2
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Soft tissue adaptation
After placement of the implant, a specific healing device is screwed into the implant. There are 2 possible alternatives:
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Healing abutment
The healing abutment passes through the mucosa, and the surrounding mucosa is adapted around it.
healing abutment
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Cover screw
The cover screw is flush with the surface of the dental implant and is designed to be completely covered by mucosa. A second procedure would then be required to uncover the implant at a later date (two-stage procedure).
The choice of one or two-stage procedure centers on how best to reconstruct the soft tissues around lost teeth.
The gingiva is adapted around the entire implant to provide a thick band of healthy tissue around the healing abutment. When a cover screw is used, the implant is "buried" and the tissue is closed to completely cover it.
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Temporary restoration
When the procedure is completed, a temporary restoration is constructed especially if the implants are loaded (with the prosthetic device) after more months.
The temporary restoration will replace the missing teeth during the biological process of osseointegration (which may take more than 3 months).
After the operation
After the surgical procedure, some medication may be prescribed (depending on each case): pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics etc.
It is advisable to protect the areas where the procedure was performed in the early days after surgery. A proper and thorough oral hygiene is essential.
Most often, there are no major side effects. Bruising and swelling of the gums and face, pain, and minor bleeding are not uncommon - and not necessarily indicate that something has gone wrong. However, it's wise to keep the surgeon apprised of those symptoms.
Sutures are usually removed after 7-10 days. During this appointment, the doctor will assess the healing process.
Placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure and carries the normal risks of surgery.
Healing and Osseointegration
For an implant to become permanently stable, the body must grow bone to the surface of the implant. This process is called osseointegration.
Osseointegration is defined as the formation of a direct interface between an implant and bone, without intervening soft tissue. Applied to oral implantology, this means that the bone grows right up to the implant surface without interposed soft tissue layer.

When osseointegration occurs, the implant is tightly held in place by the bone. The process typically takes several weeks or months and it can be influenced by several factors:
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Implant material
For osseointegrated dental implants, metallic, ceramic (zirconia), and polymeric materials have been used, in particular, titanium. Up to this day, titanium is the most favored material due to its great ability to make a connection of its surface with the alveolar bone.
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Overload
Generally speaking, osseointegration can be damaged by prolonged adverse stimuli and overload, which may result in implant failure.
The fact is that the degree of osseointegration of implants is a matter of time. While first evidence of integration occurs after a few weeks, the more robust connection is progressively effected over the next months or years.
This means that the osseointegration process continues well after the definitive restoration is secured to the implants.
That is just one reason why the prosthetic phase requires an equal amount of technical expertise: a restoration that overloads one (or more) implants can damage the osseointegration process, which may result in implant failure.
Loading time
Loading time refers to when are the artificial teeth attached to the implants. Do not confuse loading time with the timing of implants after extraction of teeth, which is a different matter.
There are three valid options for when to attach teeth to dental implants:
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Immediate loading procedure
Immediate loading means that the artificial abutments and (sometimes) the prosthetic restoration are attached to the implants during the surgical placement procedure (or immediately after).
This relatively new approach aims to shorten treatment time. Followers suggest that the initial stability of the implant in bone is a more important determinant of the success of implant integration, rather than a certain period of healing time.
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Early loading
Early loading means that abutments and artificial teeth are attached to the implants one to twelve weeks after surgery.
These two loading methods have certain limitations. Even in the event of early or immediate loading, many practitioners prefer to place temporary restorations for a certain period of time.
Once the implants have had a chance to heal and have been tested for successful integration, the definitive restoration is manufactured.
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Delayed loading
This is the most prudent approach; three to six months of integrating time (depending on various factors) is allowed before placing the teeth on implants.
Before connecting the artificial abutments, the implants are tested for successful osseointegration.
Same day dental implants vs traditional procedure
As patient demand for immediate gratification has increased, implant dentistry has focused on reducing treatment time and some implants can be placed and loaded immediately after tooth extraction.
To better understand this new approach, let's follow a clinical case:

broken front tooth that can no longer be restored

after tooth removal, a dental implant is placed to restore the gap
One of the many benefits of dental implants is replacing a broken or damaged tooth in the front area that can no longer be restored. In this case, an implant crown offers a highly aesthetic and efficient solution as it avoids the need to prepare the adjacent teeth.
However, the traditional procedure can take up to one year as it implies three different steps:
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Removal of the existing tooth or root. The extraction socket is left to heal for four to six months before a dental implant is placed. During this period, the body will grow new bone inside the socket.
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The implant is surgically inserted into the jaw bone. A variable amount of healing time is required for osseointegration (3 to 6 months).
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After the healing time, a dental crown is attached to the implant.
Immediate placement and loading
Same day dental implants or immediate implants means immediate implant placement after extraction followed by immediate loading of the crown.
Nowadays immediate loading is becoming far more common: the dental implant, abutment, and temporary crown are placed within 48 hours of implant surgery and are left in position for the healing period.
Immediate placement is not appropriate for all patients and cases and the screening process should be extremely thorough. For a complete guide to immediate dental implants, follow this link.
Prosthetic phase
The prosthetic phase begins once the implant is well integrated or has a reasonable assurance that it will integrate. Even in the event of early loading (less than 3 months), many practitioners will place temporary teeth until osseointegration is confirmed.
The prosthetic phase of restoring an implant requires an equal amount of technical expertise as the surgical because of the biomechanical considerations, especially when multiple teeth have to be restored.
The dentist will work to restore a functional bite (or occlusion), the aesthetics of the smile, and the structural integrity of the teeth to evenly distribute the forces of the implants.
Several steps are involved:
1. Removing the temporary restorations
The temporary restorations are removed from the mouth. In some situations, these can be reused during the execution of the definitive prosthesis.
2. Testing the degree of osseointegration
The first criteria to be considered are the absence of pain, clinical mobility, infection and gingival bleeding.
The Periotest is a specific device that measures the degree of implant mobility inside the bone. It has the advantage of measuring the levels of subclinical mobility using an ultrasonically vibrating probe.
The Periotest is successful in assessing the stability status of an implant, but it can detect the quantity of bony osseointegration only in terminal cases (that means 3 to 6 months after the implant placement).
Therefore, it is advisable to combine this test with a dental radiography; radiography proved to be a more sensitive method of determining the degree of bone formation (or loss) around a dental implant.

Periotest

periapical radiography:
a well integrated dental implant
In conclusion, periapical radiographs in addition to the Periotest device were found to offer the most reliable assessment of an implant osseointegration status.
3. Removing the healing devices
After the placement of implants, a healing device was attached to each implant.
- If a healing abutment was used, simply unscrewing it with a small key makes the removal.
- If a cover screw was positioned, a second procedure is needed to uncover the implant. The incision is very simple and painless.
4. Attaching the implant abutments
Implant abutments are artificial devices that are connected to the dental implants after the healing process and are then used to attach the prosthetics to the implant fixtures.
Abutments come in a wide range of sizes and shapes and the ones that best fit the clinical case are selected. Generally, the selection is done when the treatment plan is devised, before the surgical placement (but this is not a general rule).

how is the abutment attached

implant abutments of various types
After the selection, the abutments are attached to the implant fixtures with lag-screws. There are some variations on this, such as when the abutment and implant body are one piece or when a custom made abutment is used.
Another variation is when the crown and abutment are one piece and the lag-screw traverses both to secure the one-piece structure to the internal thread on the implant.
5. The dental impression
The impression is made after the abutments are attached to the implants. Regardless of the size of the restoration, a complete impression (that captures all teeth and surrounding structures) of both dental arches is taken.

complete impression for
an implant-supported denture
In some variations, after the impression, the abutment is unscrewed from the implant and sent to the dental lab along with the impressions.
6. Bite registration
The bite registration captures the relationship between the upper and the lower teeth. The long-term success of implants is determined, in part, by the forces they have to support. Therefore, restoring a proper occlusion (or bite) is one of the most important goals.
It is essential not to overload the implants with additional pressures and to evenly distribute the chewing forces of the implants. Otherwise, there is a high risk of failure.
Many times the usual bite registration techniques do not provide enough data for the dental technician. As a result, in some situations, particularly when a large restoration is designed, it is advisable to use advanced jaw tracking devices that provide additional details.

jaw tracking device
The jaw tracking devices provide details about the precise position of the maxilla and mandible against different anatomical structures of the head. This information is extremely useful when manufacturing large restorations that need to be extremely accurate.
7. Dental laboratory stages
All the impressions, along with the bite registration and other important details are sent to the dental laboratory. The dental technician will fabricate the designed prosthesis according to the specifications received from the dental office.
Laboratory stages were detailed in a separate chapter. The lab stages for constructing an implant restoration are largely the same as in the case of traditional restorations, but high precision is required.
8. Fitting
Before the restoration is definitively attached to the dental implants, one or more fitting appointments may be needed. During these appointments, the practitioner checks how well the prosthesis fits and makes the necessary adjustments if the fitting is not perfect.
The dentist will first check the fitting of the framework; after porcelain build-up, the shape, size and general appearance of the prosthesis are also tested.


framework fitting for an implant-supported denture
The bite adjustment is an essential step. This is a vital element, as a dysfunctional environment created by an inaccurately adjusted implant-supported restoration can lead to the implants' failure.
9. Attaching the prosthesis
This final step is performed when the definitive restoration is completed and ready to be secured to the implants. Depending on the type of prosthesis, this particular step may be different:
a. Fixed prosthesis
A fixed prosthesis is when a person cannot remove the denture or teeth from their mouth. Where the prosthetic is fixed, the crown, bridge or denture is fixed to the abutment with either lag-screws or cement.
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Prosthesis is attached with lag-screws
The restoration is secured with screws that traverse the dental crowns and attach to the threaded holes inside the abutments. After the screws are positioned, the holes that penetrate the crowns are sealed with a composite material.
artificial abutment with a threaded hole
the crown is secured with a lag-screw
Another variation is when the crown and abutment are one piece and the lag-screw traverses both to secure the one-piece structure to the internal thread on the implant.
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Prosthesis is secured with dental cement
In this case, the restoration is secured with dental cement, just like crowns and bridges are attached to natural teeth.
b. Removable dentures
Removable dentures are held in place by special adapters (or retainers). Generally, a male-adapter is attached to the implant and a female-adapter is housed in the denture.

the male-adapters
are attached to the implants

the female-adapters
are housed in the denture
The retainers allow movement of the denture (that should be daily removed, to clean the denture and gum area), but enough retention to improve the quality of life for denture wearers, compared to conventional dentures.
Immediate care:
- protect the part with the restoration in the early days
- thorough oral hygiene
- report any discomfort
- the first periodic checkup at no more than 6 months
Immediate followup
After the prosthesis is definitively attached to the implants, it takes a little time for the dental tissues to adapt to the new situation. Therefore, some minor reactions may occur.
Most often, the symptoms gradually disappear after a period of time or after simple adjustments performed at the dental office.
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Light pain in the gums
In many cases, the practitioner will try to hide the margin of the restoration. The line is an unsightly thing to have exposed, so the dentist would like to place the margin below the gum line.
Because of that, some patients may feel mild pain at this level until the gum tissue adapts to the new situation. Usually, the pain goes away after several days without any medication (although some mild pain relievers may be prescribed).
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Pain or discomfort when chewing
If patients experience pain or discomfort when biting down on something, most often the bite needs to be readjusted. The same is true when patients feel that a part of the restoration is "too high".
In these cases, it is very important to consult the dentist. It is essential that the prosthesis perfectly fits in the bite so all chewing forces are evenly distributed on the implants.
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Removable dentures
New removable dentures or overdentures may feel awkward for few weeks until the body becomes accustomed to them. Dentures are generally larger than fixed restorations (crowns, bridges), so the dental tissues need time to adapt.
It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness in the early days. When small lesions (image below) appear on the mucosa, the removable denture needs minor adjustments performed at the dental office.
The saliva flow may temporarily increase. As the mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should go away.
Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, it is advisable to contact the dentist.
Generally, it takes time to get used to any new restoration. However, after a period of time, the implant-supported prosthesis should look, function, and feel like regular teeth.
Care and maintenance
Dental implants require regular professional maintenance as well as proper home care. Taking good care of dental implants is vital for long-term success.
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Oral hygiene
Proper and thorough oral hygiene is a prerequisite for successful dental implant rehabilitations. A poor oral hygiene greatly increases the risk of failure.
After placement, implants need to be cleaned (similar to natural teeth) with a Teflon instrument (or a similar one) to remove any plaque. Because of the more precarious blood supply to the gingiva, care should be taken with dental floss.
Fixed implant restorations (crowns, bridges) should be carefully cleaned as well. For example, a bridge should be brushed at least twice a day with a fluoride paste and cleaned between the teeth and under the bridge with dental floss, interdental cleaners, and water jet.
dental implant cleaned with a Teflon instrument
implant-supported crown: flossing
Removable dentures supported by implants should be daily removed and cleaned separately. Special attention should be given to the underneath gum area.
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Periodic monitoring
Regular checkups should be conducted at least twice a year. During checkups, the practitioner assesses the overall situation, verifies implants stability and integration, the status of the prosthetic devices and makes the necessary adjustments.
The oral mucosa is checked and professional teeth cleaning and tartar scaling is performed. The patients should report any pain, discomfort or unusual signs.
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Implant rehabilitations should not be overloaded
Implant supported prosthesis should not be used in an exaggerated manner. It is advisable to avoid biting on extremely hard pieces of food: peanuts or pistachios, very hard bread crumbs, etc.
Besides that, there are conditions that can be extremely harmful to dental implants and the prosthetic devices. For example, bruxism or teeth grinding is a condition that involves involuntary habitual grinding of the teeth, typically during sleep.
It is advisable that patients contact the doctor as soon as they notice the first signs of such conditions.
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Maintenance of removable dentures
Removable dentures and overdentures require continuous maintenance. The female adapters that are housed in the denture need to be changed or refreshed every one to two years because they wear off. The operation is extremely simple and quick.
Relining
Relining or rebasing is indicated when a removable denture fit has worsened resulting in an unstable denture or tissue trauma. A denture reline involves refitting of the tissue side of the denture to custom fit to the mouth.
A removable denture fit can worsen due to 2 possible causes:
- The manufacturing material (normally acrylic) from the base of the denture has worn off or/and
- The bone beneath the denture underwent a process of remodeling and has diminished its height
removable denture relining
Relining consists of replacing the fitting surface with a new material, usually cold or heat cured acrylic or tissue conditioner. This can be carried out directly (at the dental office) or, more often, indirectly (at the dental lab). The procedure takes little time (1 session) and it is not very expensive.
Risks and complications
Every medical procedure carries some risks and dental implants are no exception. Accidents and complications may occur during various stages of the treatment. Generally, dental implants risks and complications can be divided into 3 distinct groups:
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Risks and complications during implant surgery
Placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure and carries the normal risks of surgery. If additional surgical procedures are performed (sinus lift, bone graft etc.), they also carry the normal risks.
However, the risk of complications is considered to be very low - less than 5 percent, according to current statistics. Problems are rare and when they do occur, they are usually minor and easily treated.
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Risks and complications in the first 6 months
These complications occur in the first 6 months after implant placement. The most common complication is the failure to integrate
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Long term complications
Long-term implant failures may be caused by an improper design of the prosthetic restoration or by inappropriate care and maintenance. Regardless of the cause, implants fail due to either loss of bone around them or a mechanical failure of the implant.
There are also the risks associated with the prosthetic components which over time can wear off, chip, break or cause a lack of satisfaction on the part of the patient.
Patients who wear implant-supported prosthesis should ideally be free of pain or any other unpleasant signs, able to chew and taste and be pleased with the aesthetics.
Implants should be tested at least twice a year during regular checkups. Criteria for the success are the absence of pain, mobility, radiographic lucency (greater than 1.5 mm) around implants, the lack of suppuration or bleeding in the soft tissues, adequate function, and aesthetics in the prosthetic.
The good news is that about 95% of implants today are successful. Moreover, a well-integrated implant with appropriate biomechanical loads can have long-term success rates for the fixture and close to 15 years lifespan for the prosthetic teeth.
References
American Academy of Implant Dentistry: What are dental implants?
American Academy of Implant Dentistry: Dental Implants, Alternative Techniques
American Academy of Periodontology: Multiple Tooth Implants
WebMD: Dental Implants
Wikipedia: Dental Implant -- see full bibliography
American Dental Association: Implants
Dear Doctor, A Patient Education Company: Same-Day Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants
The National Center for Biotechnology Information: Role of primary stability for successful osseointegration of dental implants: Factors of influence and evaluation
Your Dentistry Guide: Implants vs Bridges
Carefree Dental: Dental Implants vs Bridges: How to Know What's Best for You, Written by: Carefree Dental
Last review and update: February 2019