Implant-supported prostheses (crown or bridge) :
What is it?
It is a dental implant, which is an artificial dental root, that will fixe a dental prosthesis (crown or bridge). It will replace one or more missing teeth in a stable and long lasting way.
From an aesthetical and functional point of view the implant-supported prosthesis is the best solution to replace missing teeth because it restores all the masticatory comfort and also recovers and improves the smile aesthetic in a harmonious way with the rest of the teeth. Implant-supported prostheses prevent bone resorption and preserve the lines of the face.
Recommendations:
Recommended for any healthy person who can go through a dental extraction or a surgery in the mouth.
Previous dental tests:
Panoramic radiographies.
Steps of the procedure:
First visit to the dentist (placement of the implant):- In case of osseous defect:
In order to place an implant, a minimal “height” of the jaw bone is required. When this height is insufficient, we talk about osseous defect. The surgeon dentist will have to perform a sinus-lift procedure to fulfill the deficit. Le sinus-lift procedure is a bone grafting that uses Bio-Oss, synthetic biocompatible bone. Our surgeon dentist partners use the certified Bio-Oss, made and imported from France.
- Then (if a sinus lift was performed, it will be after 4 to 6 months), generally with local anesthesia, except in very complex cases, the dentist places the implant in the jaw bone. Then, during a cicatrization period that lasts from 4 to 6 months, the bone will grow to the edge of the implant and will definitely stabilize it. We talk about osseointegration or integration of the implant to the bone. A temporary prosthesis (ex: a temporary bridge or crown) is placed over the tooth so you can eat and execute functional actions (biting, elocution, etc.).
Second visit to the dentist (making the mould of the jaw and placement of the temporary prosthesis) 4 months later:
- When the implant is fixed in a stable way to the bone, generally 4 to 6 months after placing the implants, the dentist makes a mould of your jaw to use it as a model to elaborate the permanent prosthesis.
- Placement of the inlay-core and permanent prosthesis:
The last step is the placement of the permanent prosthesis made out of ceramic that restores all the functional qualities of teeth. To do so, the dentist ties the inlay-core (pillar that supports the prosthesis) to the implants before fixing the permanent prosthesis in a stable and long lasting way. This new artificial tooth is supposed to last a lifetime, when having good oral hygiene, which means brushing the teeth after each meal and using dental floss once a day.
Medicine prescription:
As in every surgical act, postoperatory pain is treated with antalgics, antipyretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Benefits:
- The aesthetic and functional result is the same as the one obtained with living teeth.
- They are permanent and stable because they are fused to the bone.
- They restore masticatory comfort and allow eating all kind of food without any problem.
- They improve elocution.
- The implant-supported prostheses last many years and even a lifetime.
Days to spend abroad:
The placement of implants requires traveling at least two times to Tunisia:
- The first time, you usually have to stay for 4 days. During that time, the placement of the implants and the temporary prostheses takes place.
- The second time, you have to stay for 8 days and this trip is 4 to 6 months after the first trip. During this trip the dentist places the permanent prostheses over the implants.
Remarks:
- When the bone volume available is insufficient to support the implant placement, the surgeon dentist has to compensate it (when it is possible) with a bone grafting or a sinus-lift procedure.
- The dentist will choose the shade of the crown according to the natural color of your teeth.
- To replace many teeth from the back of the denture, the placement of an implant-supported fixed bridge is mandatory. Its resistance and its great stability guarantee you the restoration of the natural functions of your teeth. It allows you to eat all kind of food while keeping the remaining teeth and the bone of your jaw.
Cost of an implant-supported prosthesis:
An all-ceramic crown supported by an implant (inlay-core included) costs 900 euros.
