Implants

Is it possible to be allergic to implants?
Dental implants have been available on the market for more than 40 years. Over this period no reaction to titanium implants has been detected. Titanium has no allergenic components and is completely neutral in the body. From all materials used for making crowns and bridges, ceramic materials are characterized by the greatest compliance with the human organism. However, the risk of allergy changes in case of metal and plastic. Let your doctor advise you what material will be best for you.

Will I feel any pain after the procedure?
During the first few days after the procedure gums shall probably be more sensitive, but they will not bleed anymore. For a short period of time only the swollen cheek may cause certain, unpleasant feeling, yet most patients do not even need painkillers on the following day and they are able return to normal life.

Can I have an implant if I suffer from diabetes?
Yes, however, your disease should be thoroughly controlled.
Unstable or untreated diabetes may cause problems with the healing process. In case of any doubts the dentist will consult your physician.

Are there any diseases, which make it impossible to have implants?
Not really. Nevertheless, you should always inform your doctor if you suffer from any of the following diseases: circulatory system disease, kidney injuries, or if you have tendency for haemorrhages or your immunological system is damaged. In some cases side effects of medicines may influence the healing process, hence you should inform your dentist already during the first consultation about any regularly taken medicines. Your doctor shall then be able to give you advice on all possible options of treatment and will help you make the right decision.

Is it possible to eat and chew normally with prosthesis supported on implants?
Regardless of the fact whether you have a crown, bridge or prostheses based on an implant, you will be able to eat, chew, talk and smile as before. Prosthesis shall be strongly fixed to implants, so you will feel entirely safe and sure.

Are there any possible interactions with other medications?
It is possible in case of certain medications, for example cortisone may change the metabolism and immunological system of the organism, which may result in healing problems. Whereas anticoagulation drugs may cause serious haemorrhages during implant placement procedure. If you take any medications on a regular basis, you should inevitably discuss this matter with your doctor.

Do I need to take off my prosthesis based on implants for the night?
Classical prostheses should be taken off for the night, as they can shift during sleep and block the throat or respiratory tracts. Prosthesis based on implants is fixed and may remain in place also during the night, without causing any threat. Your dental surgeon shall advise you what to do. All you have to do is ask.

Can implants be placed immediately after teeth extraction?
Yes, and this is a very common procedure. The implant is placed in the fresh wound immediately after extraction of a tooth. This is referred to as immediate implant placement (not to be confused with immediate loading of implants).

What does "immediate loading" mean and does it concern me?
Typical implant treatment schedule covers the general healing phase without implant loading, immediately after implant placement. As far as this method is concerned teeth shortage is filled immediately after implant placement by means of classical, temporary prosthesis, which is fixed to neighbouring teeth. In case of immediate loading new implantology methods and systems are used, which under certain anatomical conditions allow the immediate placement of target or temporary prosthetic filling on implants. Within one day patients shall obtain implants and naturally looking teeth. The fact whether the immediate loading is a proper method in your case shall depend on the condition of your maxillary bone and position of implants. Ask your doctor about possible options.

When is bone transplant essential?
If there are no teeth in the jaw and it is not properly loaded for a long period of time, progressive atrophy of bones is observed. This process is similar to the one occurring in muscles, when they are not used. The bone may be also injured by bacteria. This is related with periodontitis, known as paradontosis – inflammatory disease affecting the periodontium. If the bone is weakened or thin, the implant may not be placed in it, and the dental surgeon shall recommend a bone transplant. Bone tissue shall be then reconstructed with a bone originating from the same system or from a substituting material, as painlessly as possible. A mixture of autogenous bone and bone substituting material is also often used. Transplanted material is placed in layers directly on bones and the organism gradually changes it into strong bony substance. With the use of this method it is possible to expand or lift the bone. Within the lateral segment of the upper bone the bone is usually lifted by means of sinus lift procedure. This prevents the advancement of the implant into maxillary sinus. Bone transplant may be also performed during the implant placement procedure. However, in some cases a separate procedure may also be required.

Is implantation really a one-day procedure?
Yes. The dentist specialising in implantology, working in an atraumatic and safe way, may introduce many implants during one visit. The procedure is performed confidently and without any pain.

When can I get back to work?
Your physician will probably give a sick leave for few days. Nonetheless, on the following day you will be able to function normally, and you can return to work several days after the procedure.

Is there anything more that I should worry about?
To be brief: no. Consider implants as a natural element of your organism. You can practise sports, talk, eat, laugh and live as if nothing happened. There is no difference between implants and your own natural teeth.