Dental implants

Implants are the best solution for missing teeth as they fit perfectly into the bone structure, which makes them feel and look like natural teeth.

The dental implant is a device, manufactured in most cases from titanium, which has a shape like the root of a natural tooth. The implant is placed into the maxillary bone and has the role of replacing a tooth, a group of teeth or all teeth located in the dental arches. Therefore, treatment requires surgery to place the implant in the maxillary bone and then a second stage to fit a prosthesis – such as a crown, bridge or removable dentures – on the implants.

 

The success rate of dental implants

 

The success rate depends on the general health of the patient, lifestyle factors, the experience of the dentist, the quality of the implants, the patient’s maintenance of oral hygiene and the existence of any periodontal disease, among other things.

The success rate can reach 98%.

 

Systems

 

In this clinic, we have been using implants manufactured by TBR Implants Group since 2002. The TBR Implants Group has been in the market of dental implants since 1987, ensuring it a well-established and trusted brand. The implants we use belong to the Premium range; the accuracy of these implants manufactured in Toulouse is very high and they can be placed within 5 micrometres of the ideal position (which is very close).

Since 2007, we have also been using implants manufactured by Biotechnology Institute in the clinic, which is deeply involved in Biotechnology, Regenerative therapies (PRGF – Plasma Rich in Growth Factors) and Implantology.

 

The stages of placing implants and restorations

 

•  The initial examination will involve an X-ray;

•  The implant will be placed under local anaesthesia;

•  Time is needed for the integration of the implant into the bone, which can take up to 6 months;

•  The healing screws are fitted on the implants, after which a further recovery period of approximately 3 weeks is needed for moving on to the last stage;

•  The dental prosthesis is fitted and adjusted as needed, which can take 3 – 4 weeks.

 

The hygiene of dental implants and related prosthetics

 

The hygiene of dental implants and related prosthetics does not differ from the hygiene of other dental restorations and requires the use of: manual/electric tooth brushes, dental floss or interdental brushes for interdental cleaning. It is also recommended that patients use a Waterpik Water Flosser on implants and natural teeth alongside the common means of oral hygiene – the Waterpik should be used with minimal water pressure, as an exaggerated pressure could have negative effects.

A periodic review every 6-12 months is required for the removal of dental plaque and tartar not only from the teeth, but also from the dental prosthesis fitted to the implants. On this occasion, the occlusion (how the teeth bite together) will be analysed and X-rays will be carried out if needed. The patient’s oral hygiene and regular visits to the clinic ensure the long-term success of the dental prosthesis and thus, of the implant.

Frequent questions

 

How much is an implant?

 

The cost is 350-500-650 Euro; the difference in price will depend on the type of the implant used, Newer implants with more modern designs will cost more as they incorporate the very latest understanding and technology in the field.

 

What type of implants do you use?

 

The implants that we use are manufactured by the TBR company, which is the top implant manufacturer in France. We also use the Biotechnologyinstitute – BTI® –implants, the top implant manufacturer in Spain and a company that is heavily involved in research within the implantology field and in the utilisation of PRGF –­ Plasma Rich in Growth Factors in all medical fields.

 

What is PRGF-Plasma Rich in Growth Factors?

 

PRGF – Plasma Rich in Growth Factors is an autologous product prepared from the patient’s own blood by centrifugation. After a volume of 20-80 ml of blood is withdrawn from the patient’s veins, this volume is centrifuged and the plasma, leucocytes (white blood cells) and red blood cells are separated. The plasma, rich in platelets, is applied to the implant or extraction socket. In this way, the healing process is accelerated and pain and swelling decrease after surgical interventions, as the platelets eliminate growth factors. This allows the implants to integrate faster into the bone and reduced the risk of implant failure.

In addition, Plasma Rich in Growth Factors can be injected into the facial tissues, where it activates tissue regeneration and counteracts the degenerative processes that happen in the skin with age. The cells from the skin are therefore stimulated to produce more hyaluronic acid, which reduces wrinkles. Three applications are recommended in the first 3 months and after that, 1 to 3 annual applications are needed, depending on the age and type of the skin.

 

Is there any risk of the implant being rejected?

 

While implants integrate with the jaw bone in 98% of cases, there is still a small risk that this will not happen. In the 2% of cases that the implant does not integrate, it is removed and the soft tissue is cleaned. After a recovery period, the implant can be re-inserted in the exact same place.

 

How long after the insertion of the implant can the crown (teeth) be fitted?

 

The implant needs from 3 to 6 months to integrate into the bone, depending on the quality of the bone.

 

How much is the crown (tooth) on an implant?

 

The price of a crown on an implant varies between 250-450 Euro, depending on the material and method of attaching the crown to the implant. There are 2 ways of attaching the crown to the implant: it can either be cemented on a prosthetic abutment or screwed on. Screw-retained prosthetics are preferred because there is no cement – excess cement can damage the implant. Moreover, unscrewing the crown for cleaning or changes is possible at any time, whereas in the case of the cemented crowns, they can not be removed without damaging the  crown and abutment.

The materials used are zirconium or metal-alloy based on chromium-cobalt. Zirconium is more compatible with the gum, and it is fabricated using precise digital methods. The prices are 250 Euro for cemented porcelain-fused-to-metal crown and 350 Euro for a screwed porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, 350 Euro for cemented ceramic or zirconia crowns and 450 Euro screwed ceramic or zirconia crowns.

 

Is it possible to insert the implant and attach the crown at the same time?

 

It is possible if the bone is of high quality, with sufficient volume and density. It is important to know that the prices will increase for this treatment procedure as it involves extra prosthetic components and a temporary crown/prosthesis.

 

Is bone grafting always necessary?

 

When the bone has a reduced volume, a graft is necessary. In most cases, we can determine the need for bone grafting by taking a C.T. scan.

 

What type of bone do you use for the bone grafting?

 

Whenever possible, the patient’s own bone is used as the bone “sawdust” is collected when the implant is inserted. Where there is a significant amount of bone missing, a graft using bone from the area of the maxillary (chin, ramus etc.) is required, or a synthetic bone is used.