Placement Of dental implants
The surgical placement of implants can seem impressive. However, this is a relatively quick intervention and the results go very well, in the vast majority of cases.
Placing implants in a clinic or dental office
The placement of implants requires rigorous operating asepsis. It can be performed in the office or in the operating theater depending on the surgeon’s habits and the configuration of his office.
Placing the implant
Local anesthesia is performed. The gingiva is incised and released to gain access to the bony site where the implant is to be placed.
Closing of the surgical site
Once the implant (s) is in place, the surgical site is carefully closed to allow the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone.
Two closure options are possible:
1st option: Two-step technique (with total implantation of the implant)
After placement of the implant, a cover screw is then placed. It is a flat or slightly cylindrical screw, made of medical titanium, the lower part of which is screwed into the thread of the implant. The gum is sutured and the implant is therefore completely included in the gum, which will allow good healing of the bone mass as well as the gingival mucosa.
After a healing period of 4 to 6 months and an X-ray check, this screw is removed to free the head from the implant and place the healing screw, which will guide the healing of the mucosa around the implant. Then the implant abutment will be screwed onto the implant in order to receive the prosthesis, sealed or screwed (in the case of a screw-retained prosthesis). The use of the two-step technique is linked to certain parameters specific to the patient (bone quality, need for a prior increase in bone tissue, smoking history, etc.)
2nd option: One-step technique (without total burying of the implants) The gingiva is sutured leaving the head of the implant protruding and a healing screw is placed. This technique avoids a second surgical step to free the head from the implant. On the other hand, the implant is less well protected during the period of bone integration. This option is reserved for the most favourable cases.
The healing phase (osseointegration) will be the same in both cases, between 4 and 6 months.
Our advice :
- For healing to take place under the best possible conditions, follow our instructions.
- Rigorous oral hygiene is essential for the proper integration of implants.
- In rare cases the implant may be rejected. A new implant will then be placed.