Dental Implant

Overview

Dental implants as we know them today were invented in 1952 by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Per-Ingvar Brånemark. Nowadays, his invention is considered the standard care for prosthetic replacement of missing teeth in dentistry. Implants offer a solution when the lack of natural tooth roots doesn't allow for building dentures or bridgework tooth replacements.

About Dental Implant

The major benefit of implants is solid support for your new teeth — a process that requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant. Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won't slip, make noise, or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials can't decay like your own teeth that support regular bridgework can. Because this bone healing requires time, the process can take many months. How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone. Dental implant surgery may involve several procedures. In general, dental implants may be right for you if you: 

• Have one or more missing teeth

• Have a jawbone that's reached full growth

• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or can have a bone graft

• Have healthy oral tissues

• Don't have health conditions that will affect bone healing

• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures

• Want to improve your speech

• Are willing to commit several months to the process 

• Don't smoke tobacco

Best Candidates for Dental Implant Surgery 

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. The best candidates for dental implant surgery are those with good overall dental health and a missing tooth or a tooth that needs to be extracted.

The key requirement for dental implants is having sufficient bone quality and quantity to anchor the implants. Sometimes, dental implants are recommended to prevent further bone loss. In such cases, bone grafting can help build up the area and prevent an implant from failing.

Your dental implant surgeon may use imaging to observe all anatomical structures, including nerves, arteries, bones, and muscles. These 3-D x-ray technologies help create the safest possible implant procedure(s) and the best possible outcome for the patient. However, certain underlying health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease, or certain bis-phosphate medications can significantly lower the chances of success in implant cases. Smoking can also significantly hinder implant healing due to vasoconstriction, which limits blood flow to the implant site.

The ideal candidate for dental implant surgery is someone with good general and oral health, a fully grown jawbone, enough bone in the jaw to hold the implant or is able to have a bone graft, healthy gum tissue with no periodontal disease, doesn’t have a health condition that affects the body’s ability to heal bone, doesn’t smoke, and is willing to commit several months to the process. Even if you don’t present as a good candidate initially, a bone grafting procedure or other treatment may soon get you to a place where you can get implants.

Dental Implant Side Effects

• Infection at the implant site
• Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels
• Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness, or tingling
• Sinus problems, if a dental implant is placed in the upper jaw and protrudes into one of your sinus cavities

Dental Implant Recovery

Recovery time for a dental implant may vary based on bone quality or implant size, which may take 7-10 days. But for the implant to fully integrate into the bone it takes around 3-6 months.

Dental Implant Procedure

How to Prepare for Tooth Implant Surgery? 

Preparing for dental implant surgery involves several steps to ensure a successful procedure and recovery.

• Before the procedure, you’ll have an initial consultation with your dentist. During this consultation, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination, which may include dental X-rays and 3D images. These images help your dentist understand your oral health condition and develop a plan for the implant surgery.

• If you have been missing a tooth for a while, you may have experienced bone loss in the jaw. In such cases, a bone graft may be necessary before proceeding with the dental implant surgery. Your dentist will discuss this with you during the consultation.

• Your dentist will also discuss your medical history and lifestyle habits to ensure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure. For instance, if you smoke, your dentist may advise you to quit, as smoking can slow healing and negatively impact the success of the surgery.

• Once your dentist has confirmed that you’re in good health and a suitable candidate for the procedure, they’ll schedule the surgery appointment. If your dentist recommends IV sedation for the procedure, you’ll need to arrange for someone to bring you home afterwards.

• In the days leading up to the surgery, it’s a good idea to prepare meals that are easy to eat, such as pasta, smoothies, and soups. Having these meals ready can make your recovery period more comfortable, as you may find it difficult to eat harder foods immediately after the surgery.

Preparing for dental implant surgery involves a thorough consultation with your dentist, potentially quitting smoking, arranging for transportation home after the surgery, and preparing suitable meals for the recovery period. Following these steps can help ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.

The procedure of Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. The procedure involves several steps.

• The first step is the initial consultation and evaluation. During this consultation, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination, which may include dental X-rays and 3D images. These images help your dentist understand your oral health condition and develop a plan for the implant surgery.

• If you have been missing a tooth for a while, you may have experienced bone loss in the jaw. In such cases, a bone graft may be necessary before proceeding with the dental implant surgery. Your dentist will discuss this with you during the consultation.

• The dental implant is surgically implanted into the tooth socket through a hole. Multiple steps are involved in the placement of a dental implant, including damaged tooth removal, jawbone preparation (grafting) when necessary, dental implant placement, bone growth and healing, abutment placement, and artificial tooth placement.

• Getting dental implants requires several appointments. This includes a consultation, an appointment to place the implant, and another to attach the new teeth. Growing children may not be able to get a dental implant until their jaw growth and development is complete. People with chronic diseases such as diabetes or leukemia may not be good candidates for dental implants either. That’s because those conditions can interfere with healing after surgery.

Dental implant surgery is a multi-step process that involves careful planning and execution. It’s important to have a thorough consultation with your dentist to understand the procedure and ensure you’re a suitable candidate.

Dental Implant pros and cons

Dental implants are a popular solution for tooth replacement, offering several advantages but also carrying some drawbacks.

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Durability: Dental implants are known for their durability and can last longer than alternatives. They have a success rate above 97% for 10 years.

• Prevents Bone Loss: Dental implants may help prevent bone loss that occurs after you lose a tooth. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone is no longer stressed in that part of your mouth. Over time, your body breaks down and reabsorbs some of the bone tissue.

• Natural Look and Feel: A dental implant acts as an artificial root for your tooth. Dentists can put a crown on the top of the implant that helps mimic the look and feel of a natural tooth.

• Keeps Adjacent Teeth Stable: When you’re missing a tooth, the surrounding teeth can migrate toward the gap and cause problems with your bite and ability to chew.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

• Cost: Dental implants can be more expensive than the alternatives. Even with dental insurance, only part of your treatment costs will likely be covered.

• Surgical Procedure: Dental implants are installed surgically while your mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic. The surgery itself takes about 90 minutes, but the whole process might take as long as 6 to 12 months because you usually need multiple dental appointments.

• Not Suitable for Everyone: Dental implants may not be suitable for people who can’t undergo dental surgery. Certain underlying health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease, or certain bis-phosphate medications can significantly lower the chances of success in implant cases. Smoking can also significantly hinder implant healing due to vasoconstriction, which limits blood flow to the implant site.

In conclusion, while dental implants offer several benefits such as durability, prevention of bone loss, a natural look and feel, and stability of adjacent teeth, they also have drawbacks including cost, the need for surgery, and not being suitable for everyone.

Dental Implant Surgery Aftercare 

Aftercare is a crucial part of the dental implant surgery process, and proper care can significantly impact the success of the procedure.

• Immediately after the surgery, you should avoid touching the implant area and vigorously rinsing your mouth. You should also get adequate rest and avoid physical exertion and vigorous exercise for about a week. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be taken to ease any discomfort.

• Bleeding from the implant site or redness in the saliva can continue for up to 72 hours after dental implant surgery. The best way to control it is to bite down on gauze for about an hour. Repeat every 6-10 hours as necessary after you return home.

• Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential during the healing period. Rinse your mouth with recommended mouthwash at least three or four times a day, 24 hours after treatment. Your dentist will give you a recommendation. Also, keep your mouth as clean as possible.

• Diet is another important factor in the healing process. Try to only eat soft foods for at least a week following the treatment. Avoid hot meals and drinks as well as hard and crunchy foods for at least a week after surgery.

• Smoking and alcohol should be avoided for at least two weeks, as these can slow down the healing process. If you wear dentures that cover the affected area, you should not wear them.

• Regular check-ups with your dentist are also an essential part of the recovery process. These visits allow the dentist to monitor the healing process and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

In conclusion, aftercare for dental implant surgery involves careful monitoring of symptoms, adherence to aftercare instructions, and regular follow-up visits with the dentist. Following these steps can help ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.

Dental Implant in Iran

Equipped hospitals and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who suffer tooth loss and need dental Implant.

Types of Dental Implants in Iran

In Iran, dental implant surgery has gained significant popularity due to its high-quality and cost-effective services. Renowned for its advanced medical facilities and skilled dental professionals, Iran offers various dental implant options to cater to various needs. There are three types of dental implants used in Iran:

• Endosteal Implants: These are the most commonly used type of implant and are typically made of titanium. They are shaped like small screws and are placed directly into the jawbone.

• Subperiosteal Implants: These consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone.

• Zygomatic Implants: These are the least common type and are used if you don’t have enough jawbone for the other two types of implants. The implant is placed in the cheekbone (zygoma) instead.

The type of implant used depends on the patient’s specific needs and the condition of their jawbone. Your dentist will discuss the best option for you during your consultation. Iran offers a variety of dental implant options to cater to the diverse needs of patients. The type and brand of implant used will depend on a variety of factors, including the patient’s specific needs and the condition of their jawbone.

Dental Implant Cost in Iran 

Dental implant surgery in Iran has gained significant popularity due to its high-quality and cost-effective services. The cost of dental implants in Iran is much more affordable than in other countries, especially in the U.S. and Europe. The cost of dental implants in Iran is significantly lower than in other countries, making it an attractive destination for this procedure. However, the final cost can vary depending on several factors, including the dentist’s experience, the complexity of the surgery, and the type and brand of the implant. On average, the cost of dental implants in Iran varies between 500-850 USD, compared to the USA which is around $5000. The dental implant cost in Iran generally depends on several factors. These include:

• The knowledge and experience of the dentist

• The complexity of the surgery

• The services provided by the dental clinic

• The type and brand of implant prosthesis (the metal part and the actual tooth)

• The number of implants needed

• The potential need for bone grafting or sinus augmentation

Moreover, the affordability of dental implants in Iran makes it an appealing choice for domestic and international patients seeking reliable and affordable dental care due to Iran’s efficient dental implant cost.