The patient is 53 years old and suffers from complete loss of teeth in the upper jaw along with bone resorption in the upper jaw, which gives him an aged appearance. The youth and vitality of his face were restored with upper jaw dental implants using Swiss dental implants and Bio HPP prosthetics, which are considered the best types of prosthetics for dental implants in the world.
Dental Implants and the Vertical Dimension of the Face
Dental implants are currently the popular solution for tooth loss, whether it’s a single tooth or an entire jaw. This method is highly successful because it does not affect the surrounding teeth or tissues in any way. Dental implants replace missing tooth roots using titanium posts. To ensure the success of dental implant procedures, certain conditions must be met, including:
The patient must be free from certain diseases that affect bone health, such as advanced diabetes and osteoporosis.
There must be an adequate amount of jawbone, which often deteriorates after tooth loss. If the bone is significantly eroded, as shown in 3D imaging, a bone graft procedure may be necessary to ensure sufficient bone volume in the jaw to support the implant. Additionally, through imaging, the doctor can verify the relationship between the future implants and the sinuses as well as the jaw nerves.
The Relationship Between the Vertical Dimension of the Face and Tooth Loss:
It is well known that when opposing teeth are lost in both the upper and lower jaws on the left and right sides, there is nothing to support the lower part of the face, causing it to collapse. This results in a reduction in the vertical dimension of the face, particularly in the lower third, giving the appearance of being older than usual, especially if teeth are lost at an early age.
Available Solutions for the Case
The patient is 53 years old and suffers from jawbone loss. The solutions for this case are either:
Performing a bone graft through sinus lift surgery and compensating for the lift with an adequate amount of bone to support the implant, or Placing short-length implants if the bone volume allows, followed by fitting a complete removable denture that can be taken out before sleep and placed in a glass of water over these short implants.
The Best Solution for the Case: Dental Implants
After discussing both solutions with Mr. K.F., he chose the best solution for his case: upper jaw dental implants following a bone grafting procedure.
How is a Dental Implant Procedure Performed?
- Most dental implant procedures are performed under local anesthesia, though in some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
A dental imaging scan is required, and the doctor may request a 3D image of the teeth to diagnose issues that cannot be seen during a routine examination. This helps determine the remaining bone volume and the relationship of the future implants to vital areas in the jaw, such as nerves, sinuses, and the nasal cavity. - Patients with blood clotting disorders are required to undergo blood clotting function tests before the procedure, as they are at higher risk of bleeding.
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to individuals at higher risk of endocarditis, such as those with artificial heart valves or compromised immune systems. - The implant procedure can begin if the bone is ready to receive the implant. During surgery, the titanium screw-like posts are fixed into the jawbone after preparing the site in the bone.
- The process of placing prosthetic crowns, such as Bio HPP (considered the best type of dental prosthetics), begins by taking impressions of the mouth and the previously placed implants. This is done 3 months after the initial implant placement.
- After taking the impressions and preparing the prosthetics, the implant specialist secures them in the mouth to achieve the best results, as shown in the image.
Important Post-Surgery Instructions:
- The patient should avoid eating and drinking for 2 hours after the surgery, or until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
- The patient may experience pain in the area, especially on the first day after the metal implants are placed. Therefore, painkillers can be used as needed.
- The patient must maintain oral hygiene and clean the mouth regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damage to the periodontal tissues, along with other cleaning tools to ensure the best outcome of the procedure.
- The patient should contact the doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms occur: fever, severe pain, bleeding, or localized discharge from the mouth.
Number of Visits and Treatment Duration
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 within the first year. At Wonders Dentistry Center, we have successfully completed 1,070 implant cases with a 99% success rate.
The duration of a single dental implant procedure, from bone preparation to implant placement and suturing, is approximately 15 minutes. The total treatment duration until the final result is achieved ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient’s condition, age, and overall health.
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.
How to Care for Your New Implant?
- Smoking, for example, can contribute to implant failure and complications. Therefore, you should gradually reduce or completely quit smoking.
- Practice proper oral hygiene. Just like natural teeth, maintain the cleanliness of your implants, prosthetic teeth, and gum tissue. Specialized brushes, such as interdental brushes that slide between teeth, can help clean the corners and crevices around your teeth, gums, and metal posts.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Schedule dental check-ups to ensure the health and proper functioning of your implants, and follow the advice for professional cleaning procedures.
Final Result
The patient is satisfied with the final outcome in terms of the color, shape, and strength of the prosthesis, even after prolonged use without any issues so far. The youth and vitality of the face have been restored with upper jaw dental implants using Swiss dental implants and Bio HPP prosthetics, which are considered the best types of dental prosthetics in the world.
