Expertise
Implantology
What is an implant ?
The implant is simply a titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone and integrates with the bone to form an artificial root on which we can add a dental prosthesis (crown, bridge or other prosthesis). Titanium is a biocompatible material, that is, it does not cause any reaction or allergy and is not rejected by the human body. The implant has resistance to pressure and masticatory forces equivalent to natural teeth. Not to mention that it effectively reproduces the anatomy and function of the original tooth.
Why do we need to replace missing teeth ?
People with toothless spaces have reduced chewing and speaking ability. Additionally, when a tooth is missing, the bone around it atrophies and adjacent teeth move to the edentulous area. Over time, this bone loss contributes to premature aging of the face (sagging and wrinkling).
5 reasons to choose dental implants
- For the aesthetics, resistance and comfort of natural teeth.
- To regain normal chewing and digestion.
- For a lasting solution to missing teeth (implants can last for decades with proper care)
- To prevent atrophy of the jaw bone and premature aging of the face (dental implants help maintain bone volume by applying direct force to the bone during chewing)
- To regain confidence and self-esteem.
Solution to partial or complete edentulousness
At Anjou Centre Dentaire d'Urgence, we offer you durable and effective solutions for partial or complete edentulousness. A treatment plan with different personalized options will be presented to you according to your case :
- Fixed crown on single implant
- Fixed bridge on several implants
- Complete removable prosthesis on implants (with or without bar)
- Complete fixed prosthesis on implants
- We carry out all stages of the treatment plan right here at the clinic, from the fixation of the implant (s), to the placement of the prosthesis.
Planning implant surgery using 3D technology
We plan all of our implant surgeries by computer for better reliability and treatment execution. A Volumetric Computed Tomography, more commonly known as 3D Scan, is essential to assess the quality and quantity of bone that will serve as a support for the dental implant. This will also allow us to choose the shape, dimensions, and position of the implant. After the virtual planning, the data will then be sent to the 3D printer in order to manufacture a surgical guide. This tool will allow the dentist to perform the operation accurately and safely.
Who can benefit from implants ?
Generally, if you have lost one or more teeth and are 18 years of age or older, you are a candidate for dental implants.
However, it is important that you are in good health as there are certain conditions and illnesses that can make implants not the solution for you. It is important to discuss with your dentist and inform him about your state of health (past and present), mentioning all the medications you are taking.
Is it painful ?
The placement of implants is not painful and is performed under local anesthesia. However, it is possible to experience slight discomfort and tingling in the days following the procedure - sensations similar to those experienced following tooth extraction, for example, or other dental treatment requiring anesthesia. Rest assured: these symptoms can be easily controlled with pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your dental surgeon.
Do the implants require special maintenance ?
The crowns and other prosthetic implants that replace missing teeth are designed to be remarkably reliable. They are removable and replaceable (only by your dentist), so that if damage or wear justifies their replacement, this can be accomplished without affecting the implant (artificial root attached to the bone).
Like natural teeth, implants require good maintenance. It is important to practice good daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) to control bacterial biofilm. It is also important to see your dentist and dental hygienist on a regular basis. Special instruments are needed to clean dental implants and not to damage their metal surface under the gum tissue. Your dentist should monitor your implants to ensure the integrity of the osseointegration, and verify that the crown, bridge or other type of prosthesis is functional.
Stages of implant placement
Step 1
Insertion of the implant into the jawbone (under local anesthesia)
Step 2
Osteo-integration (healing), the jawbone attaches to the implant. It takes 4 to 6 months for the bone to completely cover the implant surface. It is possible to wear a temporary prosthesis during this period.
Step 3
Installation and fixation of the permanent restoration on the implant (crown, bridge or other dental prosthesis).
PRE-OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
- A dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar (less than a month before the surgery)
- The use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory to reduce the risk of infection (depending on the surgeon's instructions)
- Stop smoking during the treatment period (and ideally at all times).
POST-SURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS
- Take the medication as prescribed by the surgeon (take the antibiotics until the end)
- Provide rest and a soft diet
- Gargle with salt water during the first day
- Use ice to minimize swelling and use sterile gauze if bleeding occurs
- From the second day after surgery, start mouthwashing with a mouthwash containing Chlorhexidine (on the first day, this product could prevent the formation of the clot)
- Do not drink through a straw, do not exercise or brush the surgery site for at least a week
- Stop smoking
RISKS OF COMPLICATIONS
- Failure of osseointegration: it happens that an implant is not integrated into the bone (3% of cases). This is often linked to smoking , poor oral hygiene and / or diabetes. It is then necessary to resume the procedure and put back an implant
- Infection (rare because usually prevented by taking antibiotics)
- Bleeding (most of the time not serious)
- Damage to the nerves in the jaw (may cause numbness in the lip and chin)
Any surgery involves certain risks. However, when performed by an experienced and knowledgeable professional on a healthy patient, dental implant installation carries very little risk of complications.