Dental Implant – Everything You Need to Know

There is a lot of confusion about the placement, maintenance and cost of dental implants, so in this text we will try to answer all questions about this dental solution for missing teeth.

Dental implants are one of the most modern and effective solutions to replace the loss of one or more teeth. They not only provide an aesthetic improvement, but also restore the full functionality of the teeth. A well-fitted implant can last a lifetime with proper care, making it one of the most durable dental solutions.

In our specialized dental center in Banja Luka, we use the most modern technologies and materials to guarantee the success and longevity of the implants. Thanks to our modern procedures and many years of experience, our success rate is over 98%.

In this comprehensive article, we will cover all relevant aspects of dental implantation, including the process, potential complications, costs and care of implants.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into the jawbone and serves as a stable base for a crown, bridge or prosthesis. This technology has been around since the 1940s, but it is only in the last few decades that it has established itself as one of the most reliable and popular dental solutions. Titanium and ceramic are the most commonly used materials today, offering high biocompatibility and durability. A well-placed titanium implant can last more than 25 years, often even a lifetime.

A dental implant consists of three main parts: screw, which is inserted into the jawbone and replaces the natural tooth root, abutment, which serves as a connection between the screw and the denture, and the crown, which is placed on the abutment and looks like a natural tooth. Thanks to modern dental technology, these components ensure a stable and aesthetically pleasing solution for dentures.

Materials for dental implants – titanium or ceramic?

Titanium and ceramic are the two main materials used in modern dental implantology. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when choosing the right material:

Titanium is a lightweight, strong metal that is usually well accepted by the body. It is particularly resistant to corrosion and promotes osseointegration. However, the main disadvantage is that titanium can show through thin gums, which is less desirable from an aesthetic point of view.

Ceramic (zirconium dioxide) offers a more aesthetically pleasing solution as it is white and closely resembles natural teeth. It is often used for patients who suffer from allergies to metal. However, it is more expensive than titanium and slightly more brittle, making it more prone to breakage.

Dental implantation procedure

The process of dental implantation occurs in several stages and can take a few months depending on the patient’s individual circumstances. Here is a detailed overview of the steps that go through when implanting a tooth:

1. Initial examination and planning:
   • Before the procedure begins, a comprehensive examination is performed, which usually includes X-rays or a 3D scan of the jaw. This helps the dentist assess the condition of the jawbone and plan where to place the implant. If the jaw does not have enough bone mass, bone grafting may be necessary.
2. Preparation of the surgical site:
   • Under local anesthesia, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum to expose the jawbone. A hole is then drilled in the bone into which the implant will be placed. This step requires extreme precision to correctly place the implant and allow for successful osseointegration.
3. Insertion of the implant:
   • After the hole has been prepared, the implant is carefully screwed in. The dentist uses special tools to ensure that the implant is firmly seated in the jawbone. Care is also taken to ensure that the implant is not too loose or too tight, as this could affect later stability.
4. Healing and osseointegration:
   • After the implant is inserted, the process of osseointegration begins, in which the jawbone grows around the implant and anchors it firmly in the bone. This process usually takes three to six months, depending on the patient’s individual healing ability. However, the duration of dental implantation can vary depending on how well the jawbone responds to the implant and how healthy the patient is overall. During this time, it is important to have regular check-ups with the dentist to ensure that no complications arise.
5. Placement of the prosthetic treatment:
   • CAD/CAM technology for dentures – after the successful integration of the implant, the prosthetic phase begins, in which modern CAD/CAM technology (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) is used. This technology makes it possible to take precise impressions of the teeth and to digitally design and manufacture the crown or bridge, resulting in a precisely fitting and aesthetically pleasing result.

Procedure for installing a dental implant step-by-step

1. Creating the incision: The procedure begins with the surgeon making a small incision in the gums to expose the jawbone. This incision is made precisely and is done under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. In some cases, depending on the complexity, digital imaging or guides may be used to ensure accurate placement of the implant.
2. Drilling the first hole: Once the gums are cut and the bone is exposed, a small guide hole is drilled in the jawbone. The surgeon takes care to ensure that the position of this hole perfectly matches the intended placement of the implant in terms of both depth and angle. The first hole is small, and accuracy at this stage is critical to the success of the implant.
3. Gradual enlargement of the hole: To ensure that the implant fits properly, the first hole is gradually enlarged in several stages. Special drills of increasing sizes are used, with each drill enlarging the hole a little more. This gradual increase in size protects the surrounding bone from unnecessary damage and ensures that the implant is firmly seated.
4. Controlling Drilling Speed ​​and Temperature: During the drilling process, it is crucial to maintain a low speed to avoid overheating the bone, which could damage bone cells and impair healing. The surgeon will periodically flush the area with saline to keep it cool and reduce the risk of heat damage. Maintaining the optimal temperature is crucial to preserving the bone.
5. Inserting the Implant: After the hole is properly prepared, the implant is inserted into the jawbone. This step is performed using a special tool that gently screws the implant into its intended position. The surgeon uses a torque wrench or special key to control the force applied during insertion so that the implant is neither too loose nor too tight. This precise control helps to achieve the ideal implant-bone connection and ensure long-term stability.
6. Ensuring Implant Stability: Once the implant is inserted, the surgeon will ensure that it is stable and correctly anchored in the bone. The fit should be tight enough to encourage osseointegration, a process in which bone grows around the implant and anchors it securely over time. The stability of the implant at this stage is a critical factor in the overall success of the procedure.
7. Gum closure: After the implant is placed, the gums are usually sutured over the implant or around an abutment, depending on the type of procedure. The sutures help the tissue heal and protect the surgical site. Healing caps may be placed on the implant to aid in the healing process and maintain the proper gum shape for later tooth replacement.
8. Healing and aftercare: The patient will be given instructions on post-operative care, which typically include avoiding certain foods, keeping the area clean, and taking prescribed medications. The healing process may take several months, during which osseointegration occurs. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and ensure that the implant is properly integrated with the bone.

It is also important to know what appropriate food to consume after dental implant surgery to aid healing. Soft, easily digestible foods such as yogurt, soups and pureed fruit are ideal in the first few days as they do not put unnecessary pressure on the implant and promote the healing process.

Complications and risks

Although dental implants are usually very successful, there are some potential risks and complications that should be considered. Many patients wonder if there is pain with dental implants. During the procedure itself, most patients do not feel any pain thanks to the local anesthesia. After the procedure, however, slight pain or swelling may occur, which can usually be treated well with common painkillers.

Inflammation of the implant – causes and prevention:

One of the most common complications with dental implants is so-called peri-implantitis, an inflammation of the tissue around the implant. This can be caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria and, if left untreated, leads to bone loss and possible loss of the implant. Dental implant inflammation, also known as peri-implantitis, usually occurs when oral hygiene is neglected. Other risk factors such as smoking and certain pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, increase the risk.

To prevent this complication, thorough oral hygiene and regular professional dental cleanings are crucial. Regular check-ups with the dentist help to detect inflammation early and treat it accordingly. Proper care can help minimize the risk of peri-implantitis and ensure the long-term stability of the dental implant.

Specific challenges for smokers and diabetics

Patients who are long-term smokers or suffer from diabetes are at increased risk of complications. In these cases, the jawbone is often weakened by long-term tooth loss, so an artificial bone must be inserted before implantation. This is an important step to ensure that the implant remains firm and stable.

Are there any disadvantages of dental implants?

Besides the risks of inflammation, there are some other possible disadvantages of dental implants, but they are rare. In very rare cases, the body may reject the implant, especially if the patient has allergies or certain pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. Another possible disadvantage is the longer healing process, as osseointegration can take several months. However, despite these potential disadvantages, dental implants offer the best long-term solution for replacing missing teeth.

Replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants in the upper and lower jaw

Dental implant in the upper jaw:

3D rendering of the jaw with incisors Bridge in the upper jaw supported by implants on a white background
Placing a dental implant in the upper jaw presents special challenges due to its proximity to the maxillary sinuses. The jawbone in the upper area is often softer, making the procedure a little more complex. In some cases, a sinus lift may be required, where the dentist raises the floor of the maxillary sinus to create enough space for the implant.

Dental implant in the lower jaw:

The lower jaw is often better suited for implants because the jawbone is usually denser and more stable. However, the dentist must be careful to protect the nerve pathways in the lower jaw to avoid injury. Despite these potential challenges, dental implants in both the upper and lower jaw offer the best long-term solution for tooth replacement.

Bone grafting – When is it necessary?

If there is not enough bone substance, bone grafting must be done before implantation. This is often necessary for patients who have been toothless for a long time or who have experienced significant bone loss due to tooth loss. Bone grafting can be done in both the upper and lower jaw and is an important step to ensure the stability of the implant.

Costs and price comparison

The cost of dental implants varies depending on the country, material and complexity of the procedure. In our dental center in Banja Luka, the cost of an implant is usually 1,200 KM (600€) for starting price, which is an affordable solution compared to other countries. Additionally, costs for preparatory measures such as bone augmentation may be incurred, especially if the jaw does not have sufficient bone mass for implantation.Costs in other countries:

Dental implant costs vary greatly depending on the region and clinic. In countries such as Germany and Switzerland, the cost of a single implant is typically between 1,800€ and 3,500€, due to the higher cost of living, the use of advanced technology and stricter medical regulations.

In comparison, costs in Eastern European countries such as Hungary are often lower, usually in the range of 1,200€ to 2,500€ per implant. Despite the lower costs, the quality of materials and procedures in these countries remains at a high level, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular for dental tourism.

Dental Implant vs. Bridge – Which is More Cost-Effective?

Compared to bridges, which need to be replaced every 10-15 years, dental implants offer a long-term solution. While they are more expensive initially, they are more cost-effective in the long run because unlike bridges, they do not need to be replaced regularly. They are also gentler on the surrounding teeth because they do not need to be ground down like a bridge does. The stability and natural comfort that implants provide also make them a better choice.

When considering using a bridge that connects adjacent teeth, it is again better to use an implant than grinding down the teeth and burdening them with a connection to an artificial tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options:

• Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them the most durable solution for replacing missing teeth.
• Natural look and function: Implants look and feel like natural teeth, allowing you to chew and speak without any restrictions.
• Prevent bone loss: Placing implants continues to stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that occurs after tooth loss.
• Maintain facial structure: By preventing bone loss, implants help maintain the natural facial structure and prevent the face from looking sunken.
• Protect surrounding teeth: Unlike bridges, there is no need to grind down neighboring teeth to hold the implant in place, helping to maintain healthy teeth.

With this comprehensive information, you can make an informed decision about whether dental implants are the right solution for you. Not only do they provide a long-term, aesthetically pleasing solution, but they also offer numerous health benefits that can improve your overall quality of life. Thanks to modern technologies and techniques, such as those used in our dental center in Banja Luka, the implant is