This is when the prosthetics or false teeth are placed onto the dental implant posts during the same phase after placement of the implants. With instant loaded implants, phase 1 and 2 are done during the same phase. Using this process a patient gets new teeth in place at the same visit when the implant posts are placed. The teeth are immediately functional as well.
Who can benefit?
Single implants can help people who are missing one or more teeth. Implants are fastened to the jawbone using a minor surgical procedure. Once the implant merges with the bone it is attached to, functionally it becomes a new root for the crown that will be replacing the missing tooth. A crown or a cap is made to resemble a natural tooth. It is attached to the implant and replaces the missing tooth. This can work only if the bone in the jaw is healthy enough to support the implant. There is also hope for people with a weak bone. They need to go through a procedure called bone augmentation to strengthen the bone.
Parts of a single piece implant system
Systems such as the KOS(king of single piece), the BCS(basal cortical screw), and the BOI(basal osseo integrated) are some of the latest and most economical implants available today. These have added advantages in the fact that they can be splinted to adjacent teeth. With the previous delayed loading, splinting could not be done. KOS single piece implants can only be used when there is good D1/D2 bone.
Comparison with conventional implants
Conventional implants require the gums and bones to heal before a crown could be fixed on the implant. During this waiting period which can last for up to 6 months, the patient has to get used to living with no teeth. Single implants can be much more expensive for a patient. But as the patient requires only one visit to have the procedure performed, there is less room for anxiety. Another major concern for single implant is that if the tooth is placed at a place where it is subjected to a lot of pressure, its survival could lessen. This procedure is most useful when the patient is in need of emergency treatment for lost teeth.
This is the most popular method practiced, requiring 2-3 visits in a period of 3-4 months. This method has 2 phases. The titanium root is placed in the first stage. The abutment and the final prosthesis are affixed in the second phase. This method has a high success rate and is the approved method by ADA.
Phase 1
Evaluation and x-ray
An X-ray and oral examination is conducted to assess the health of the implant site and also the condition of the jawbone. A CT scan may be required in rare cases for a detailed analysis.
Implant site preparation
The tissue covering the gum is opened to access the area of the bone where the implant is to be placed. In rare cases a sinus lift or a dental bone graft might be required if the patients jaw bone anatomy requires it for a successful result. Once the bone health is established, the implant is ready to be put into place.
Fixing the implant
The implant is now embedded into the bone and the tissue is sutured. A surgical cover screw is inserted on top of the implant to prevent bone and tissue from growing inside the implant. Also, a temporary prosthesis is provided to cover the dental implants.
Healing process – Osseo integration
The implant is given time to merge and heal with the jaw bone. Seven to fourteen days after surgery the sutures are removed. The implant stays undisturbed for 2-3 months. Osseo integration takes place during this period.
Phase 2
Uncovering implants
The implants are now uncovered by a minor surgery and they are assessed for Osseo integration.
Attaching the Abutment or metal bar/ball
If the implant has bonded with the jaw bone satisfactorily, an abutment or metal ball is affixed to the implant. In case crowns or bridges are opted, an abutment is placed and this provides the support for the new crown or bridge
Placing the Crown/Bridge or Over denture
Impressions are taken to make the crown/bridge or over denture. In the case of crowns or bridges, they are fixed over the post and cemented or screwed on. Over dentures are just snapped onto the metal bars or balls.