Here’s why dental implants are the best solution for replacing missing teeth

The best solution for resolving a problem of a missing tooth is inserting a dental implant. Dental implants will restore full function, aesthetics, and stability, without pain, stress, or negative impact on any aspect of health. Once complicated and difficult to access implantological procedures have become almost routine and widely available, with the advancement of dentistry and implantology as a branch of dentistry that is experiencing the greatest growth and development.

Although we often encounter situations where patients turn to a dentist due to the problem of edentulism, and when the doctor suggests implant placement, patients usually leave it as an alternative option, preferring faster procedures and not considering the long-term implications. The reason for this is most often insufficient information about the implant placement process, prejudice, and fear of the unknown, although the process itself is simple, safe, and precise. A missing tooth not only affects appearance but also brings serious consequences for overall oral health. Each lost tooth has an impact on function – chewing, proper bite, often speech, as well as facial structure, and especially self-confidence.

In the case of partial edentulism, some of the options for replacing teeth are bridges or partial dentures, but each of them has its disadvantages compared to a tooth replaced with an implant.
In the case of complete edentulism, total removable dentures are also offered as a solution, but unfortunately, they often cause discomfort, instability, reduced sense of taste and a feeling of insecurity.
 

1. What are dental implants, and how do they work?

A dental implant is a medically manufactured titanium "screw" that is surgically implanted into the jaw bone and serves as a replacement for the tooth root.

The first step in implant placement involves a clinical examination by an implantologist and precise diagnostics - an X-ray of the jaw (CBCT) is taken, and the implantologist measures the bone parameters in detail and plans the entire procedure according to the conditions. This is also the reason why the procedure is safe, carefully planned, and does not pose any risk to the patient.

After implantation, when the implant grows inside the bone (a process called osseointegration), a superstructure is placed on it, and then a dental crown (cover). Dental implants have excellent biocompatibility and do not cause unwanted reactions in the body. They are used to replace one tooth, several teeth, and even for completely toothless jaws, where a bridge or prosthesis is fixed on several implants. Implants with prosthetic work today are a solution that gives the patient the feeling most similar to natural teeth in both aesthetic and functional terms.
 

2. Does implant placement hurt?

Installing an implant is not a painful procedure. We do it under local anesthesia, and when the effect of anesthesia wears off, patients either do not feel anything or may experience a slight feeling of discomfort, swelling, and tightness, which goes away with analgesics (painkillers) and cold compresses. Over 95% of patients share their experience with us, saying that the implant procedure is “much easier than they expected”, while only 5% of them, in the case of more extensive surgical procedures and with a reduced pain tolerance threshold, state that the procedure is “moderately painful, but bearable”.
 

3. How long does the procedure and healing take?

The implant procedure itself takes 10-20 minutes per implant, depending on the region in which the implant is placed, the level of cooperation of the patient, and the preparedness of the staff participating in the intervention. After the implant is placed, healing follows, which lasts an average of 3 to 6 months, depending on the region of the jaw and the quality of the bone. After osseointegration, the final phase follows – the placement of a crown or bridge. In certain cases, it is possible to install temporary teeth on the same day or within 24 hours, especially with the All on 4 or All on 6 concept.
 

4. What is the cost of implant placement?

The cost of installing a Straumann implant is 1200.00 KM. Straumann is a Swiss company with a 70-year tradition and is a leader in innovations in the field of oral surgery and implantology. Straumann implants have exceptional characteristics: they are made of an alloy containing 85% titanium and 15% zirconium, coated with an SLA active surface that accelerates fusion, and in addition, they are strong, flexible in a small percentage, important for the function, and have excellent osseointegration capabilities.

The advantage of installing Straumann implants is the fact that the company itself guarantees the quality of its products, so patients have a permanent warranty against implant breakage or a five-year warranty against damage to implant components (suprastructures). Another advantage is the fact that Straumann implants are present in every country in the world, so wherever you live, you can always easily find a dentist who works with this type of implant and has the components and tools necessary for any type of implant manipulation and prosthetic work on the implant (e.g. regular cleaning of the work in the All on X concept).
 

5. Advantages of implants over other options

• In case of total edentulism, implant work can be fixed – they do not move or fall out like dentures

• Replacement of teeth by implant installation preserves the surrounding teeth (which is not the case with bridge construction)

• They prevent bone resorption by maintaining the volume of the jaw in the place where they are installed

• Prosthetic work on implants looks and behaves like natural teeth – they restore function, safety, and quality of life

• Hygiene is easier compared to bridge hygiene

• They can last for many years, with optimal hygiene and maintaining good general health

6. Risks and possible complications of implant installation

Although implants are generally safe, in some cases, complications may occur:

• Infection at the installation site

• Implant rejection

• Poor osseointegration

• Periimplantitis (inflammation of the tissue around the implant)

To avoid complications, it is necessary to inform the implantologist in detail about your general health condition and any therapy you take. Also, proper hygiene maintenance by following the doctor's advice, regular check-ups, and avoiding smoking are of great importance. Following these instructions prevents complications and paves the way for a successful implantation and healing process. It is important to note that each of the listed complications is solvable, and according to Straumann's data, less than 2% of the listed complications occur annually.

Important notes:

Implants require a certain amount and quality of bone for successful integration. If the bone has atrophied, sometimes an additional procedure (bone grafting - augmentation) is required to ensure the conditions for implant placement.
The key to success is a thorough preliminary diagnosis, an experienced surgeon/implantologist, and the patient's open relationship regarding the anamnesis and commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
A comprehensive assessment of general health (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, severe blood clotting problems, osteoporosis under certain therapies, smoking) and oral health is important.

CONCLUSION:

If you are thinking about implants, now you know: what they are, how long the procedure takes, whether the installation of implants hurts, how much they cost, what the advantages and risks are, and what you need to pay special attention to.
Dental implants represent a revolution in dentistry and offer the highest level of safety, comfort, and natural appearance. Although they are not the cheapest solution, in the long run, they are the most profitable investment in health and quality of life.
Our team of dentists uses modern methods and an individual approach so that you can go through the entire process without stress and fear, and with a favorable outcome of the therapy, and ultimately have a smile that will be remembered.

10. Jun. 2025

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