Implantology

The success of implant placement depends on having an adequate amount of bone tissue – both in height and width – to securely anchor the implant. Only then can long-term stability of the dental implants be ensured. In patients with significant bone loss, guided bone regeneration (GBR) becomes necessary before implantation. These procedures help create high-quality bone tissue in the desired area, allowing for the successful placement of dental implants, which serve as the foundation for future prosthetic restorations.

In simple terms, GBR involves placing a bone substitute material (such as Geistlich Bio-Oss^®) in the reconstruction area and covering it with a special barrier membrane (Geistlich Bio-Gide®). Over the course of several weeks, natural regenerative processes transform the material into the patient’s own bone tissue, creating a strong foundation for implant placement.

Implant surgery does not cause significant discomfort and does not require taking time off work. It is performed under local anaesthesia. After the procedure, the patient receives painkillers and a cold compress to reduce swelling and support wound healing. For a few days, mild discomfort may persist, such as swelling of the mucosa, tenderness or a slightly elevated temperature.
Occasionally, more troublesome symptoms may occur, such as swelling, bruising, pain, fever, or lockjaw. If any of these appear, it is essential to contact the implantologist immediately.

The duration of implant treatment can only be estimated approximately, as it depends on individual circumstances and the patient’s expectations. In most cases, the complete therapy – from the decision to proceed with implantation to the placement of the final prosthetic restoration on a functional implant – typically ranges from 3 to 6 months.
There are procedures that can shorten this time to zero, but the indications for such approaches are very limited and carry a higher risk of failure.
In some situations, the treatment may take longer, for example, when bone regeneration is required before implant placement.

Remember!
Implant treatment can take several months. During this period, you can use a temporary prosthetic restoration, which makes the missing tooth invisible. This is particularly important in the aesthetic zone, where any missing tooth is immediately noticeable.

• Active cancer,
• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy within the last 5 years,
• Blood clotting disorders (anticoagulants, cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, tendency to bleed),
• Disorders of the immune system and white blood cell function (e.g. leukemia),
• Rheumatic diseases (steroid therapy),
• Uncontrolled endocrine disorders, e.g., diabetes,
• Patients under 16 years of age (incomplete bone development),
• Pregnancy,
• Debilitating diseases, e.g., alcoholism, AIDS, drug addiction,
• Bruxism.

There are also local limitations such as:

• Poor oral hygiene,
• Local inflammatory processes or abnormal mucosa at the planned implant site,
• Unfavourable anatomical conditions (alveolar ridge is too narrow for implant placement, insufficient space between neighbouring teeth or between upper and lower teeth),
• Habitual smoking – smokers have thin and poorly vascularized mucosa and circulatory issues, which may slow wound healing.

The postoperative wound is a potential “gateway” for bacteria and therefore requires preventive measures to protect against infection. Contaminants and bacteria accumulating around the wound can lead to infection and, in severe cases, implant rejection.

The first days after implant placement are crucial.

Patients should avoid physical exertion, hot beverages and meals, alcohol, and smoking. It is important to rinse the mouth with water after every meal, and when brushing teeth, avoid the area around the implant site.

Once surgical area has fully healed, oral hygiene should follow standard principles, including cleaning of the implant area.

Usually, after removing stitches, you may begin cleaning and gently massaging the implantation site with a very soft brush. This helps remove soft deposits and impurities without damaging the sensitive tissue around the implant. The remaining teeth should be brushed thoroughly twice a day. It is essential to use dental floss, interdental brushes, or irrigators. These tools reach areas that traditional or electric toothbrushes cannot access. Such areas are ideal environments for bacteria that may be harmful to implants, making proper hygiene especially important.

Just like natural teeth, plaque – a soft deposit that adheres tightly to the surface of teeth and roots – also accumulates around implants, crowns, prosthetics, and beneath the gums. If plaque is not removed within a few hours, it begins to mineralise, forming tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist using specialised tools.

Tartar and plaque pose a real threat to both natural teeth and implants.

Natural teeth are at risk of demineralisation and cavities, while toxins released by bacteria in dental plaque are a major cause of gum inflammation – including inflammation around implants. Healthy gums and bones are essential for keeping implants stable and functioning properly.

Gum inflammation around an implant can be treated, but treatment is more difficult compared to inflammation around natural teeth. Furthermore, the risk of recurrence and further complications is higher. If such deposits are not properly removed, the inflammation can progress and may also affect the bone anchoring the implant. Once infection leads to bone resorption, the implant loses stability, can no longer function as the “root” of the tooth, and may ultimately fail.

At Dr Gajda Dental Clinic, the implantologist conducts a thorough interview with the patient and performs a CT scan during the first visit. Based on this, the patient receives information regarding implant feasibility, bone condition, treatment duration, and prosthetic material options. Because implants may occasionally fail to integrate with the bone, this initial visit is essential to minimise the risk of failure. The treatment plan includes all procedures related to implantation as well as peri-implant surgeries (bone grafting, bone reconstruction, sinus lift).

The final cost of an implant treatment depends on many factors. While it is certainly a significant expense, it is a long-term investment. With dental implants, you can enjoy a beautiful smile for many years.

At Dr Gajda Dental Clinic, we use the Camlog^® implant system.

It is one of the most widely used implant systems worldwide, and numerous studies confirm its excellent long-term durability.

Advantages of the CAMLOG system:

• Precise CAMLOG^® Tube-in-Tube connection
• Outstanding long-term results due to the excellent PROMOTE surface

In addition, Camlog^® offers a wide selection of prosthetic components with unique solutions, allowing the prosthetist to prepare highly functional and aesthetic restorations to be placed on the implants.

The connectors offered by Camlog^® enable the creation of durable, aesthetic and top-quality dental restorations. The well-structured and precise range of prosthetic elements allows for the restoration of a single tooth, a bridge, or a full denture.