1. What Are Implants?Implants are the most reliable and modern method of restoring a lost tooth. Outdated systems like removable bridges and dentures can never provide the level of reliability and comfort that implant technology offers.
Put simply, a dental implant is an artificial replacement for a lost tooth root, although many people still mistakenly believe it refers to the artificial tooth itself.
In reality, the implant is placed into the bone at the site of the missing tooth. Then an abutment (the above-gum element) is installed, and finally, a dental crown is fixed onto it.
Dental implants in their nearly modern form were invented quite some time ago – the first successful dental implantation was performed back in 1965. Interestingly, the first patient, Gösta Larsson, lived with his implants until the end of his life – over 41 years.
Since then, modern implants and implantation technologies have advanced significantly, but the basic principle of how they work has remained unchanged.
2. Advantages of Implants
Bridges and removable dentures are still used in dentistry today—sometimes for economic reasons, sometimes because patients fear the implant surgery itself, and sometimes due to medical contraindications. However, these methods are undoubtedly far less reliable and modern than the placement of a dental implant.
We invite you to take a look at the advantages of implants:
- High chewing efficiency. The reliability of a bridge or crown is significantly lower than that of an implant, which means you often have to avoid a long list of foods that these constructions can’t handle. With implants, you can eat just like with natural teeth – with no restrictions at all.
- Aesthetics. A dental implant fits perfectly into the tooth row, making it almost impossible to distinguish from your natural teeth – something that cannot be said about dental bridges.
- Durability. A high-quality implant placed by a skilled implantologist will most likely last you a lifetime. While the official warranty is usually 10 years, statistics show that implants often serve much longer. It’s a radical solution to the problem, allowing you to forget about it for good. Bridges and crowns, on the other hand, don’t last nearly as long.
- Preservation of neighboring teeth. An implant is a universal and independent construction, whereas placing a bridge requires grinding down the adjacent teeth and increasing the load on them.
- Natural sensation. After the final placement of an implant, you won’t feel it in your mouth – unlike removable dentures, which often require a long adjustment period.
The benefits don’t end there – these are just the main ones. If you have any questions, you can always consult with the specialists at City Smile Dentistry.
3. Not All Implants Are Created Equal: What Types of Implants Are There?Of course, it’s best to leave the choice of implant to your dentist. Still, we’ll give you a brief overview of the types of implants available and how they differ. It’s important to note that our clinic never works with uncertified or low-quality implants. Also, keep in mind that the choice of implant often depends on clinical conditions.
Modern implant systems commonly used worldwide include IMPRO (Germany), Astra (Sweden), Bicon (USA), Nobel Active (Sweden), and AnyOne (South Korea).
These are endosteal systems with a root-shaped design. Essentially, they are cone-shaped with a screw thread. Today, this type of implant is used in leading clinics worldwide.
There are also outdated designs, such as blade-shaped endosteal implants and combined endosteal implants. These types are no longer recommended for use.
Additionally, there are special implant designs used only for specific clinical indications, but describing them goes far beyond the scope of this article.
We should also mention the emerging high-tech AnyRidge implants. While not yet widespread, they represent the future of implantology. These systems allow procedures without bone grafting, offer maximum surface area for even higher integration rates, and enable immediate placement of a permanent crown.
4. Stages of ImplantationSo, you’ve finally decided on implantation—and that’s the right choice, as it’s the most reliable solution today for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. But how does the process actually work?
- Examination and Analysis
A CT scan (computed tomography) is performed to assess the bone tissue parameters and the location of nerve canals. Based on this analysis, the implant system and treatment methods are selected. Then, a step-by-step treatment plan is created, including timelines and the cost of each stage. - Augmentation or Sinus Lift
This stage isn’t always necessary. However, if the examination shows that the bone needs preparation for implantation, this procedure is performed. - Implant Placement Procedure
The implant is placed directly into the jawbone under local anesthesia. The procedure is typically short—about 10 minutes per implant. Afterward, you’ll receive recommendations for oral care. - Suture Removal
Usually performed 10–14 days after implant placement. The procedure is quick and completely painless, taking just over 10 minutes. - Gum Shaping
After 3 months for the lower jaw or 4 months for the upper jaw, a healing abutment is placed on the integrated implant for one week to shape the gum. - Impression Taking
At this stage, impressions for the future crown are taken. For maximum precision, a 3D scanner is used. - Final Stage – Crown Fixation
The custom-made crown is fixed onto the implant. Your new artificial tooth will look and function just like a natural one.
An implant can’t be placed in a single day. There is, as an exception, an express implantation system, but it comes with certain limitations, and details about it go beyond the scope of this article. From the start of the process to the placement of the crown, several months may pass.
But the result is absolutely worth it. You get a fully functional tooth that looks perfect, doesn’t hurt, doesn’t cause any discomfort, and will serve you for many years.
With the traditional method, the longest stage is the integration of the implant into the bone, which can take 3–6 months. If bone grafting is required before implantation, this adds a bit more time. Overall, the entire process can take up to 9–12 months, though in most cases it’s significantly less.
There is also an express implantation method. In this approach, placing one implant takes no more than 20 minutes, and a temporary prosthesis can often be placed the same day or within a few days. The permanent crown is typically fixed within 7–10 days, after which the implantation process is considered complete.
The myth that implant placement is painful and dangerous has been around for years, but it’s far from reality. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain—only slight sensations of the dentist’s mechanical work, similar to routine dental treatment.
If you’re extremely anxious about dental procedures, additional sedation can be provided to put you in a semi-sleep state for complete comfort.
When a high-quality system is installed by an experienced implantologist (and we use only such systems, with highly skilled professionals), implants are very likely to last a lifetime. The official warranty on an implant is 10 years, but in most cases, their actual service life far exceeds this.
How much does dental implant placement cost?Each case is unique, and the exact cost can only be determined after creating a treatment plan. However, to give you a general idea, here are average prices for implant placement:
- Straumann® Implant (Switzerland): from €1,300
- Nobel Biocare Implant (Switzerland): from €1,500
- Ankylos Implant (Germany): from €1,100
- MegaGen AnyOne, AnyRidge Implants (South Korea): from €700–900
- Osstem Implant (South Korea): from €700–900
This price includes: the dental implant, abutment, gum shaper, metal-free crown (zirconia), A-PRF procedure (to enhance healing), and the surgeon’s work.
How long can you have implants without crowns?An important factor is preventing bone tissue atrophy. The optimal time for implant placement is usually 3–5 months after tooth extraction. During this period, the jawbone fully heals, minimizing the risk of postoperative complications.
How long can implants remain in place?Ideally, once installed, implants can stay in the body for a lifetime. Older generation implants were often recommended for replacement after 10–15 years, but today’s systems are designed for much longer durability.
How long does it take for an implant to integrate into the lower jaw?On average, a dental implant integrates in 2–3 months for the lower jaw and 4–6 months for the upper jaw if the healing process is uncomplicated.
How do you know if an implant has failed to integrate?Key signs of implant failure include:
- Bleeding
- Progressive redness and swelling of the gums
- Pain while chewing
- Mobility of the implant structure
- Unpleasant odor from the mouth
- Sharp pain and high fever
