Missing or damaged teeth can significantly impact your oral health and self-esteem. Although several types of dental surgeries have emerged to address the issue, such as dentures and bridges, none provide the superior, natural-looking results that a dental implant surgery ensures. 

Repairing or replacing a damaged tooth while maintaining its natural appearance is a top priority for patients. That’s why dental implant surgery in Albania is gaining popularity among people seeking cosmetic dental solutions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dental Implant Surgery

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to replace missing natural teeth. They are typically made from titanium. The implant needs to be biocompatible with human skin and blood vessels. Thus, non-toxic metals like titanium are used for making these artificial foundations. 

Dental implants may serve as the foundation that supports other teeth replacement procedures, such as dentures, crowns, or bridges. The operation is expensive in most countries, but dental implant surgery in Albania is more affordable than in other European nations. Hence, Albania is a popular destination for dental surgery tourism. 

Some of the benefits of dental implant surgery are as follows: 

• Natural beauty and functionality: A dental implant naturally blends in with your jaw and the shape of your mouth. Hence, it feels and appears like a natural tooth without drawing attention. Dental implants allow you to perform daily tasks such as chewing and speaking with ease.
• Long-lasting: Dental implants last longer than any other tooth replacement procedure, like bridges and dentures. They are made of materials resistant to decay, and their seamless osseointegration with the jaw ensures its durability. 
• Preservation of facial structure: Tooth loss can lead to bone loss in the jaw, known as alveolar bone resorption. Teeth stimulate the jawbone to strengthen and rebuild itself through chewing. With the loss of teeth, the jawbone fails to do that, and the body begins to reabsorb the bone. Thus, dental implants prevent jawbone loss and preserve facial structure. 
• Improving oral health: Dental implants do not disturb the position and structure of neighboring teeth. Hence, it helps maintain the integrity of your natural teeth and enhances oral health. 

The Dental Implant Surgery Procedure

Dental surgery consists of multiple steps that can take months to complete before you get the final result. The steps are as follows: 

Step 1: Initial consultation and planning

The process begins with an initial consultation with your consulting medical professional. A dentist or dental surgeon performs a dental examination. 

In a dental clinic in Albania, you will likely undergo X-rays and 3D imaging to assess the health of jawbone density and the exact location of the implant. Additionally, the doctors will proceed to formulate a treatment plan.

Step 2: Preparatory procedures

Some patients with rotten teeth undergo tooth extraction. After the extraction, the doctors leave the root to heal for several months. Furthermore, the doctors perform bone extraction, which involves taking a small bone from another part of your body to strengthen your jaw. On the other hand, dental implant surgery includes a sinus lift for an implant in the upper jaw.

Step 3: Implant placement:

Firstly, the doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, along with additional sedatives to calm your nerves. Then they will make an incision and expose the jawbone. A special drill creates a hole in it, where the titanium implant is placed. Then the surgeon stitches the gum and closes the incision.

Step 4: Healing

Your jawbone grows around the implant, fusing with it. The healing period can last for 3 to 9 months. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment once the healing is complete.

Step 5: Placing the artificial tooth

The final step is attaching the artificial tooth to the implant. Your dentist will take an impression of your jaw or teeth to make the appropriate shape, such as a bridge or a crown. 

Process of Healing and Osseointegration

Step 1: Initial Interaction

Osseointegration occurs when the implant blends or fuses with the jawbone, nerve tissues, and blood vessels. The first step in this process is the initial interaction the implant has with the blood vessels and nervous system in the gums. The interaction involves multiple biological processes, such as protein absorption and blood clot formation.

Step 2: Cellular Recruitment

The injured cells attract immune cells from the body, causing spontaneous bone growth around the implant. The bone formation occurs through cells such as osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. 

Step 3: Angiogenesis

Cellular growth around the implant also causes blood vessel growth, which is also known as angiogenesis. Angiogenesis brings blood to the implant and the interaction area for complex cellular processes.

Step 4: Bone Formation

Over time, a new bone forms on the surface of the implant through a process called contact osteogenesis. Moreover, the new bone forms a strong and durable bond with the implant. The cells called osteoblasts are responsible for this formation.

Step 5: Biological Fixation

The bone thickens on the surface of the implant, forming a direct connection with the artificial root. Henceforth, the new bone acts as a fully functional tooth capable of performing regular tasks such as eating.

Processes Involved in All-on 4 and All-on-6 Dental Implants

All-on-4 Dental Implant Process

1. Pre-Surgical Phase

The process involved in this phase of the All-on-4 process in a typical dental clinic in Albania is as follows: 

• Consultation: The doctors perform a thorough dental examination, including X-rays, 3D scans (CBCT), and impressions. Then they evaluate bone density, gum condition, and overall oral health and customize a treatment plan, including the design of the prosthetic teeth.
• Preparation: Any remaining teeth, if necessary, are removed. Moreover, you may require bone grafting if the bone volume is insufficient.

2. Surgical Phase

• Implant Placement: The doctors then place four dental implants within the jawbone. Two implants are positioned vertically in the front of the jaw. The two other implants are angled (up to 45 degrees) in the back of the jaw to maximize support. The doctors perform the procedure under local anesthesia or sedation.
• Temporary Prosthesis: A temporary set of teeth is attached to the implants on the same day. Thus, it allows the patient to leave with functional teeth. 

3. Post-Surgical Phase

• Osseointegration: The implants seamlessly integrate with the jawbone over a period of 3–6 months. Thereafter, you will need regular check-ups to monitor the healing process.
• Final Prosthesis: After the healing period, the professional replaces the temporary prosthesis with a permanent, custom-crafted prosthetic arch.

All-on-6 Dental Implant Process

This type of dental implant surgery follows the same process as the All-on-4 process, including X-rays, 3D scans, and impressions. The dental surgeons assess bone density and overall oral condition. Furthermore, they also help to customize a treatment plan, including the design of the prosthetic teeth. You may also need to extract the remaining teeth if required. Additionally, you may also need bone grafting if bone volume is inadequate.

Comparing Implant Techniques: All-on-4 vs All-on-6

All-on-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 dental implants in Albania have four dental implants to provide proper arch prosthetic support. Some of its features are as follows: 

• Number of Implants: All-on-4 has four implants that provide a full arch support bridge for proper stability.
• Pros: It’s more cost-effective, with better recovery time and less invasive surgery.
• Cons: All-on-4 offers short-term gains and does not provide long-term stability.
• Best for: It is best for patients who don’t want an invasive surgery or have limited bone tissue. 

All-on-6 Dental Implants

Some of the features of All-on-6 dental implants in Albania are as follows: 

• Number of implants: The arrangement has six implants providing all-around support to the jawbone.
• Pros: Lower chances of implant failure with greater strength and durability than                   all-on-4.
• Cons: It is more cost-intensive than the former implant and takes a longer time to heal.
• Best for: Suitable for patients with high bone density who are willing to have more enhanced bite strength.

Conclusion

Teeth are the cornerstone of your oral health and hygiene, and hence, dental implant surgery is gaining widespread appeal. Dental implant surgery in Albania is one of the most sought-after in the world, with its high quality and affordability. 

Skydental, the best dental clinic in Tirana, provides the best dental facilities that you could hope for. We have over 15 years of experience in this industry and have served over 12,000 clients in over 10 countries. 

Personalized care and competitive pricing are some of the specialties of our service. Furthermore, our flexible scheduling system and comprehensive dental services are guaranteed to provide holistic treatment. To set up an appointment for inquiries related to dental implant surgery, click this link.