A patient from Saudi Arabia came to us suffering from severe deterioration in oral and dental health, along with bone resorption in the jaws. He insisted on choosing the best types of dental implants and the best dental prosthetics, which were successfully completed in a record time.
Case Details
A patient from Saudi Arabia came to us complaining of jawbone resorption, loss of most of his teeth, and yellowing of the lower teeth. Upon examination, we found: Loss of most teeth in the upper jaw, Significant tartar buildup on the remaining teeth in the upper and lower jaws, which led to substantial bone loss around the teeth, Loose teeth due to lack of bone support, Panoramic X-rays revealed severe bone resorption in both the upper and lower jaws.
Available Solutions for the Case
- Bone grafting to increase bone volume and place dental implants.
- Short-length dental implants.
- Complete dentures.
The Best Solution: Full Jaw Dental Implants
After performing a 3D scan, we found a small but adequate amount of bone that allowed us to place short-length implants in both the upper and lower jaws after extracting the teeth damaged by tartar, which were not suitable for preservation. The best solution for the patient, which would save time and cost while providing the desired quality, was to proceed with implant placement.
But before diving into the steps and final results, let’s learn more about dental implants.
What is a Dental Implant Procedure?
Dental implants are the latest alternative for replacing missing teeth. This method is the most successful because it does not affect the surrounding teeth or tissues in any way. Dental implants replace missing tooth roots using titanium or zirconium posts. To ensure the success of dental implant procedures, certain conditions must be met, including:
- The patient must be free from diseases that affect bone health, such as advanced diabetes or osteoporosis.
- There must be an adequate amount of jawbone to place the implants, whether short or long implants, as there are various types designed for different bone volumes. Functional bone often deteriorates after tooth loss.
- To ensure the success of the implant procedure, bone grafting must first be performed if the bone loss is significant and does not allow for short implants.
- The bone intended for implant placement must be at a safe distance from the sinuses and jaw nerves, which is evaluated by the dentist through tests and X-rays.
- Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial, as implants, like natural teeth, can be lost due to neglect.
Dental Implant Procedure
Implant Body:
This is the part that is embedded in the jawbone. It is made of titanium, which is completely safe and integrates quickly with the jawbone. It serves as a replacement for the missing tooth root. Its diameter and length vary depending on the location and size of the missing tooth, the number of adjacent implants, and the remaining bone volume (front, back, top, and bottom).
Abutment Screw:
Placed on top of the implant body after the implantation phase is complete.
Healing Cap:
A temporary cover placed over the implant body and abutment screw. It remains in place until the new tooth is installed.
Prosthetic Component:
The new tooth (crown) that is attached to the implant body.
Components of a Dental Implant:
A traditional dental implant typically consists of titanium, resembling a human tooth root, with either a rough surface (featuring grooves for better bone integration) or a smooth surface. Most dental implants are made of commercially pure titanium, which is available in four grades depending on the amount of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and iron content.
Grade 4 CP Titanium (with maximum impurities of 0.05% N, 0.10% C, 0.015% H, 0.50% Fe, and 0.40% O) is the most commonly used titanium in implants.
Grade 5 Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), which contains 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium, is harder than CP4 and is primarily used in industry for abutment screws.
Zirconia Implants, Modern dental implants often have a fused surface (through etching, anodization, or media blasting) to increase surface area and enhance osseointegration. If CP titanium or titanium alloys contain more than 85% titanium, they form a biocompatible surface layer of titanium oxide, which acts as a barrier, preventing other metals from contacting the bone.
Ceramic/Zirconia Implants, These implants are available in one-piece designs (combining the screw and abutment) or two-piece systems (where the abutment is either cemented or screwed). Some studies suggest they may reduce the risk of peri-implant diseases, but long-term data on their success rates remains unclear.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Dental Implants
Quality:
The quality of materials used is one of the most important factors. The implant must be strong, have no negative effects on oral health, and integrate quickly with the jawbone.
Implants should be available in various sizes to match the volume and density of the jawbone.
The best type of implant is made of titanium, which is also used in the aerospace industry. Titanium has proven to deliver excellent results in terms of osseointegration and recovery, with no side effects on bone or gum structure.
The type of crown placed on the implant after stabilization also significantly affects the cost. The best crowns are made of zirconia, a strong metal alloy that withstands high pressure, does not discolor, and blends well with the oral cavity. Porcelain crowns are also commonly used and are less expensive.
Patient’s Condition:
The patient must be medically and dentally eligible for dental implants, with adequate jawbone structure.
Over time, bone resorption occurs after tooth loss, leading to a reduction in jawbone thickness. This may require bone grafting to compensate for the loss and ensure proper implant placement.
In the upper jaw, sinus lifting may be necessary due to the proximity of the maxillary sinus. These additional procedures increase the overall cost.
Expertise and Skill:
A skilled and experienced implant dentist ensures high-quality treatment and peace of mind from diagnosis to the final result.
At Wonders Dentistry Center, Dr. Ahmed Said has extensive experience in dental implants and oral surgery, with 6900 successful cases and a 99% success rate. This has earned him the trust and satisfaction of his patients.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Dental Implants
Quality:
The quality of the materials used is one of the most important factors. The implant must be strong, have no negative effects on oral health, adapt quickly to the jawbone, and integrate with it. Additionally, implants should be available in various sizes to match the volume and density of the jawbone. Among the best types of implants are those made of titanium, which is also used in the aerospace industry.
Titanium has proven to deliver excellent results in terms of osseointegration and recovery, with no side effects on bone or gum structure.
The type of crown placed on the implant after stabilization also plays a significant role in determining the cost. Among the best types of crowns are those made of zirconia, a strong metal alloy that can withstand high pressure, does not discolor, and blends well with the oral cavity. There are also porcelain crowns, which are less expensive and commonly used.
Patient’s Condition:
The patient must be medically and dentally eligible for dental implants, particularly in terms of jawbone condition.
After tooth loss, bone resorption occurs over time, leading to a reduction in jawbone thickness. This may require bone grafting to compensate for the loss and ensure proper implant placement.
In the upper jaw, sinus lifting may be necessary due to the proximity of the maxillary sinus. In some cases, the dentist can perform a surgical procedure to lift the sinus, creating enough space for the implant. All of these factors can increase the overall cost of the procedure.
Expertise and Skill:
A skilled and experienced implant dentist differs significantly from others, as they ensure high-quality treatment and peace of mind from diagnosis to the final result. You can expect the best consultation, solutions, and procedures without fear or worry of failure.
At Wonders Dentistry Center, Dr. Ahmed Said has extensive experience in dental implants and oral surgery, with 6900 successful cases and a 99% success rate. This has earned him the trust and satisfaction of all his patients, ensuring confidence in the final results.
Steps to Achieve Satisfactory Results
- Preparation of the Implant Site: The area is prepared by creating space in the jawbone to place the implants made of pure titanium or titanium alloys in the location of the missing tooth.
- Implant Placement: The implant is placed, and the surgical site is sutured. The patient is given instructions to care for the wound until it heals completely, avoiding any harmful substances.
- Osseointegration: The process of the jawbone healing and fusing with the implant, known as osseointegration, takes 6 months for the upper jaw and 3 months for the lower jaw.
- Final Prosthesis: This stage involves several sessions to create the final prosthesis. It includes taking impressions of the mouth, fitting the prosthesis, and finalizing its placement. The process begins with measuring the implants and their relationship to the jaw and ends with their permanent fixation.
- The dental implant procedure is either painless or involves minimal, natural discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
- The success rate of dental implant procedures is 95% for the lower jaw and 90% for the upper jaw. At Wonders Dentistry Center, we have achieved a 99% success rate with 6900 successful implant cases.
- The average lifespan of dental implants, as determined by doctors, is 25 years. However, they can last a lifetime, depending on the patient’s commitment to maintaining their oral health, practicing good dental hygiene, and taking proper care of their implants.
Number of Visits and Treatment Duration
The treatment duration varies from patient to patient, depending on their adherence to instructions, age, and health conditions. However, it typically involves:
Implant Placement Visit: This visit takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour for placing implants in both jaws with a skilled implant dentist.
Healing Period: The healing and osseointegration (fusion of implants with the bone) process takes 3-6 months.
Prosthesis Fabrication Visits: After healing, the patient returns for impressions of the implants and jaw to create a prosthesis that fits 100% naturally. This stage requires 3-4 visits to achieve the final satisfactory result.
Final Result
The issues of jawbone resorption and all other oral problems were resolved. The patient now has a healthy mouth, successful implants, a harmonious shape and color that complement the face, and the freedom to eat and drink comfortably as before.
