Double Tooth Implant

Double Tooth Implant
What is a dental implant?

Generally, we resort to the installation of fixed dental prostheses, i.e., dental implants, if you have had a problem that has led to the loss of a tooth due to a cavity, or as a result of a gum problem, a periodontal disease, or a wound.

An implant is an artificial tooth root. It is inserted permanently or temporarily into the jaw and fixed with an artificial tooth. It is usually made of titanium, a material that is biocompatible with bone.

The fusion of the bone and the implant is a phenomenon known as osseointegration. This process can take place thanks to the physical characteristics of titanium; it is precisely for this property that this material is used. When a tooth is lost, a part of the bone that supported it is also lost. During implant installation, it is sometimes necessary to partially reconstitute the bone.

Dental implants help stabilize the jaw, prevent greater bone loss and preserve the shape of the jawbone. They represent an alternative solution to dentures since they remain fixed and are much more comfortable and natural. Once it has been installed, the sensation is that of having the lost tooth again: no difference is perceived. Dental implants can replace one or several teeth per implant.

For these reasons, implants are preferable to traditional bridges and crowns, as they are not simply cemented to the jaw. They also avoid the alignment or pain problems that other reconstructive techniques can cause. Finally, the bridges and crowns fixed on an implant should not move, thus avoiding all the problems that might be encountered in speaking and chewing.

Types of dental implants

There are mainly two. The first type is called an endosseous implant. It is inserted directly into the jaw and can fix one or more teeth.

The second type is called a subperiosteal implant. It consists of a metal base placed on the jaw under the gums. The abutments protrude from the gums to support the prosthesis. This system is less common but may be useful for patients with a low or thin jaw.
dental implants price list Subperiosteal implant radiography

For this type of procedure, the patient must have strong, healthy gums, and a jaw that can withstand and maintain them.

Frequent visits to the dentist and impeccable oral hygiene are absolutely necessary for proper long-term maintenance (brushing your teeth well must become a priority).

Before the operation, meticulous planning must be put in place: the nerves, the sinuses, the shape and size of the bones above and around the affected area must be carefully analyzed. During the preliminary examination, your dental surgeon will do an x-ray of the jaw, paying particular attention to the area of ​​the operation. Scans and a panoramic x-ray of the upper, lower teeth, and bone structure may also be needed. It is thus possible to evaluate the state of the teeth, the height and thickness of the bone in order to better prepare the operation.

It should be emphasized that in some cases the procedure is carried out with the computer. Tomodensitometry is currently the most advanced radiographic technique and can be used to analyze and establish a treatment plan. Your teeth and gums will be examined, and any problems will need to be treated before starting the operation.

The operation takes place as an outpatient procedure (it is not necessary to spend the night in the hospital). It can be done in your dentist’s office. Local anesthesia or general anesthesia may be required, depending on the number of implants to be installed, the complexity, the patient’s level of anxiety and the technique used. The dentist will recommend one or the other based on his diagnosis. Dentists, periodontists or dental surgeons can perform this operation which has become quite common nowadays.

The operation
Typically, the operation is carried out in several stages. The first phase consists in incising the gums to expose the bone. A hole is then made to receive the implant, which is inserted into the jaw and remains under the gum. The latter is sewn up and temporarily covered to protect the area from any trauma, which could occur for example during chewing. While the bone and gingival tissues heal, osseointegration takes place. Complete healing takes 4 to 6 months.

Once osseointegration is complete, the abutment must be installed. It is a screw (also called cap) that protrudes from the gum and connects the replacement tooth (or crown) to the implant.
dental implantology costs Implant surgery

The gingiva is again incised to position the abutment. This is another outpatient operation, which requires only local anesthesia. Once the abutment has been installed, the gingiva is closed around it, but without covering it. In some cases, it is possible to install the housing and the abutment during the same procedure, without any long-term negative effects, as long as the time required for healing is observed. In this case, it should be emphasized that the stump will be visible, and that it will not have to be subjected to any kind of pressure during the healing process.

It takes approximately two weeks for the gums to re-marginalize and the procedure can be considered completed. As with all surgeries, there will certainly be inflammation, bruising, mild pain or bleeding during healing. There are, however, several methods of relieving pain and discomfort during this time. We invite you to read our article on post-operative dental implants.

During this phase, the artificial tooth (also called crown) is built according to your dental impressions, to exactly match the morphology of your teeth. It will then be fixed to the abutment.

Sometimes the installation of a fixed prosthesis (or dental bridge) is evaluated if more than one tooth is missing. In this case, two anchors are installed (one for each side of the area), to fix the replacement teeth. It is a more comfortable, natural and long-lasting way to replace missing teeth. If the cost is the main problem, today it is possible to drastically reduce your dental costs by going abroad to carry out the treatments or by resorting to a good dental insurance.
Advantages and disadvantages of dental implants

This solution certainly has many advantages. It is a permanent procedure against tooth loss, it is more durable and stable than alternatives such as dentures (which can be lost and which must be changed over time), traditional crowns or bridges, which can create discomfort when chewing. or when speaking.

They are also more comfortable, more natural and have better aesthetics, all factors that allow you to feel more at ease. Their convenience is a huge advantage, as they don’t take off, don’t wash, and don’t need adhesives to stay in place.

They improve dental health by making teeth cleaning easier and require no changes to healthy teeth to be installed (unlike bridges and crowns).