Dental implants

Dental implants are titanium screws that are operated into the jawbone. The implant functions as an artificial tooth root to which one or more crowns can be attached. Titanium is a metal that has a unique ability to grow firmly in the jawbone and goes well with the body's tissues.

The treatment consists of two parts

An implant treatment consists of a surgical part and a prosthetic part. In the surgical part, implants are operated into the jawbone and in the prosthetic part, the teeth that are to be attached to the implant are manufactured.

Important with good oral hygiene

In order for the implant to last a long time, extra careful oral hygiene and regular check-ups by a dentist or dental hygienist are required. Oral hygiene at the implant must be at least as good as at your own teeth. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to diseases of the tissue surrounding the implant. In the worst case, the implant may come loose. To facilitate cleaning, the new tooth is designed so that it can be accessed with a toothbrush and various aids.

For further details and clarification, please visit our FAQs page.

Questions and answers

Can everyone get implants?

Yes, most people can get implants. Health, on the other hand, can be crucial. Implant treatment is not suitable for children and adolescents who are still growing. It is important that there are enough good quality jawbones to attach the implant in. This is assessed, among other things, with the help of an X-ray examination.

How does the surgical part work?

The screw is operated into the jawbone under local anesthesia. If necessary, you can receive sedatives before treatment. Sometimes you need to do two surgeries. In the first operation, the implant screw is inserted into the jaw. In the second and smaller operation, a platform is prepared for the new tooth. In some cases, both can be done at the same time.

A prerequisite for the operation to be performed is that the own oral hygiene is very good. Dental hygienist or dentist shows and informs about suitable aids.

How long does the operation take?

The operation itself takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on how many implants are to be inserted. However, expect that the entire visit can take up to two hours. After the operation, you can in most cases go home immediately.

Does it hurt?

No, it should not hurt. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, in the same way as when, for example, a tooth is repaired. After the operation, you need painkillers to counteract discomfort when the anesthesia is released. These drugs also reduce the swelling in the area of ​​surgery.

Will I have problems after the operation?

During the first week after surgery, it is normal to feel some tenderness and swelling. You can sometimes also get bruises on the face, most often after surgery in the upper jaw.

As a rule, painkillers are needed after the operation. Ordinary over-the-counter preparations are generally sufficient, but if necessary, the dentist prescribes stronger painkillers. We recommend Alvedon / Panodil according to the dosing instructions on the package. If these medicines do not help with the pain, consult your dentist. Avoid tablets with acetylsalicylic acid for example Treo, Magnecyl and more as acetylsalicylic acid increases the risk of bleeding.

Can I use my dental replacement after the operation?

If you have a comprehensive denture, you can count on being without your dental replacement until the stitches are removed, so as not to strain the mucous membrane and interfere with healing in the area. If you have a minor dental replacement, your dentist can in some cases adjust it so that it can be used immediately after the operation.

Can I eat before and after the operation?

You can eat as usual before the operation but wait a few hours after so as not to disturb the healing. Avoid hard chewed food. If you are completely toothless in the operated jaw, you should eat liquid or finely divided food in the next few days after the operation.

Keep in mind that alcohol consumption can lead to a risk of increased bleeding.

Can I brush my teeth as usual?

To avoid infections and reduce the risk of complications, it is important to keep the implant clean. Avoid brushing in the operating area. In the beginning, rinsing with chlorhexidine solution may be helpful.

What happens if I use tobacco?

Smoking and snuff impair healing. The less tobacco you use, the better the prognosis for implant treatment.

Do I need to be on sick leave?

As a rule, this is not needed. Discuss with your dentist if there is a need.

What happens after the operation?

The implant needs time to heal into the jawbone. The time required for your implant is assessed during the operation. Before the new tooth can be put in place, we generally expect 1.5 - 4 months of healing.

What does the prosthetic part mean?

The treatment starts with an imprint of the implanted implant. A coloring is done either by the dentist or the dental technician.

The impression is then sent to a dental technician. He begins the work with the crown or teeth that will in color and shape correspond to your teeth in general.

At the next visit, the dental crown may be finished, or one or more tests are needed. The treatment often takes between 2-4 weeks.

 

How to attach the tooth to the implant?

The tooth is screwed or cemented to the implant.

 

What should I use for aids?

In most cases, it works well with common aids such as toothbrush, dental floss and gap brush. Sometimes special aids may need to be used. Your dentist and dental hygienist will help you with advice and instruction on how to best care for your implant.