Implantologist
An implantologist is a doctor who replaces "pieces" with lost organs. In the modern world, most often the term "implantologist" is understood as an expert who practices in dentistry. This is probably the only doctor about which you can say that he gives a smile. But, it really is. It is the implantologist who can restore lost teeth and give you the opportunity to smile openly and without constraint.
Modern methods allow an implantologist to perform a procedure for reconstructing the dentition with minimal surgical intervention and minimal inconveniences for patients.
Who is an implantologist?
Implantologist is a doctor who restores lost teeth. Recovery is due to the fact that an implant is inserted into the jaw. This is an artificial replacement for a lost tooth.
The work of an implantologist is very important. Since the absence of teeth is not only cosmetic and aesthetic value. The fact is that each of the teeth has its own purpose and the absence of even one of them can have a very negative effect on the whole organism. For example, the absence of chewing teeth can affect the chewing of food, which will worsen the condition of food that enters the esophagus. As a result, there may be problems with the digestive system, as well as a variety of diseases of the stomach, pancreas and other digestive organs. The same effect on the body can be caused by the absence of fangs or biting teeth.
That is why the work of an implantologist is very important for the health of each of us. The very process of implantation is very difficult and requires a careful approach. It is necessary to respond responsibly both to the choice of the implantologist and to the choice of the implantation method. Also, before deciding on such a procedure, it is necessary to undergo all necessary examinations and carry out the necessary tests.
When should I contact an implantologist?
First of all, your dentist can direct you to the implantologist, if necessary. Refer to such a specialist is when there is a defect in the dentition. For example, there is no tooth or there is a need to remove it.
The implantologist can be treated not only immediately after tooth extraction, but also after a while. For example, if you lost a tooth a few years ago. However, bone implants may be needed to install implants. I mean the build-up of bone tissue. The fact is that the bone tissue in place, where there is no tooth, may decrease with time. And when there is a question in the installation of the tooth, or rather the implant, it simply will not be for that to "gain a foothold." Implantologist performs a simple operation called "sinus lifting", and after it establishes an implant already on the bony.
A visit to the implantologist is also possible when there is a need for aesthetic correction of the appearance of the dentition, when other methods, for example, the installation of the bracket system, do not give the desired result. Then it is possible to remove one tooth or several and install implants in their place.
What tests should I take when I contact an implantologist?
Implantation of teeth is a very serious procedure and requires a very careful approach. In order to implant, the organism must have a strong immune system. Implantologist must send the patient to a number of tests. In particular, HIV tests and hepatitis. These diseases can not only affect the implant engraftment, but also have a negative impact on health. Such surgery can put the patient's life at risk. But it also puts at risk the health of the doctor and other patients.
Also, the patient must confirm the absence of diabetes. Because this disease also can interfere with engraftment. The implantologist must find out what other illnesses the patient may have against the healing of the wounds. That's why, in addition to standard tests, the doctor should conduct a thorough questioning of the patient, as well as pay attention to the condition of not only the gums, but also the general condition of the patient's skin, the presence of bruises and wounds. If they do not heal well - it is possible that the implants will not take well.
Modern medicine has stepped very far ahead and many clinics have stopped requiring patients to take many tests. Therefore, if you feel insecure, you should take care of putting the tests yourself, in the end, knowledge about your health will never interfere.
By the way, contraindication to the installation of implants can be smoking. The fact is that some experts are sure that smokers do not get well implants, and in general they suffer a worse operation.
What diagnostic methods does the implantologist use?
Usually, the implantologist examines the oral cavity or directs the patient to an ordinary dentist. Before the implantation, the doctor can appoint a patient to perform a full sanation of the mouth.
This is necessary in order to completely remove from the oral cavity all possible inflammations and other foci of infection. This procedure includes the treatment of caries, the removal of teeth, if it is impossible to save them, as well as the treatment of gums and periarticular tissues.
Such procedures are necessary to ensure that no operative complications and infections occur. If this procedure is not done, there may be problems with implant implantation, as well as with a postoperative period.
Also, for the operation, the doctor prescribes an X-ray and a panoramic snapshot of the jaw to check the condition of the bone mass. The fact is that sometimes bone tissue may not be enough for a normal implant installation. If the bone tissue is not enough, the doctor can prescribe an additional operation to implant bone tissue, which will ensure the normal installation of your "new teeth".
What does the implantologist do?
An implantologist is a specialist who examines the condition of the oral cavity, as well as the condition of the dentition, and recommends the patient a particular treatment or prescribes implantation.
The expert conducts a thorough examination and studies possible contraindications to implantation. It is also the responsibility of the implantologist to consult patients. The doctor must explain all the risks, as well as the advantages of the chosen method of replacing missing teeth.
After the patient agrees to the procedure, the doctor prepares the patient for the operation, and also carries out the implantation itself. The implantation process is fairly simple, if the jaw bone is normal and can withstand the implant, the doctor screws in a special implant, which is more like a normal screw. A two-stage process forces the doctor to sew up the gum to give the implant time to settle down. Such a process can last quite a long time - from 6 to 20 weeks. Then, when the implant has taken root the implantologist establishes a special fastening, which is then placed on the crown we are accustomed to. In appearance, such a tooth is absolutely impossible to distinguish from other teeth in the dentition. By the way, one of the main advantages of implantology is that this method allows not only to return the teeth, but also not to harm healthy teeth, and also to restore the dentition completely in the absence of many teeth.
What diseases does the implantologist treat?
Implantologist deals with defects in the dentition. To help the implantologist resort to extreme cases, when the tooth can not be saved. Or there are other indications for the removal of the tooth.
Also, the implantologist helps patients when they have prosthetic intolerance. Then implantation is the only way out of the situation.
Sometimes implantation is prescribed when it is not possible to install a prosthesis or crown. This situation occurs when there are no extreme teeth in the row. With such indicators, there are problems with prosthetics and implantation is almost the only solution to this problem.
An implantologist can also help patients who have completely missing the dentition. Then several implants are installed in the jaw and a bridge or prosthesis is fixed on them. This procedure completely restores the dentition and returns to patients a normal life. Implantation allows you to smile without fear for your smile.
You can contact an implantologist if you do not have one tooth. And in some cases, aesthetic restoration of several teeth is possible, if there is evidence for this.
Advice from an implantologist
The first and most important advice of any implantologist is to monitor the condition of your teeth and regularly visit a dentist. As a result of the correct approach to the treatment of teeth, problems with their removal may not occur. And you do not need to go to the implantologist and worry about installing the implants.
Evaluating the condition of the dentition, the implantologist can advise the patient on the installation of implants or another opportunity to tidy the dentition. The fact is that the absence of even one tooth can severely harm the whole dentition. Bone tissue, without feeling a load, will decrease, and adjacent to the missing teeth, will shift. Therefore implantologists advise not to delay with a choice, than to replace a tooth that in the further it was not necessary to resort also to orthodontics.
Also, the absence of teeth can cause not only aesthetic shortcomings, but also problems with digestion of food, which in turn can lead to the development of chronic diseases.
Implantologists advise not to be afraid of this procedure and go to at least a consultation with a doctor whom you trust. Many patients do not dare to such a procedure because of the price. But now there are many groups of implants, so it is possible to choose a material that will suit you in quality and price.
In any case, the implantologist will be able to help you decide, and also choose the treatment method that is necessary for you.
Medical expert editor
Portnov Alexey Alexandrovich
Education: Kiev National Medical University. A.A. Bogomolets, Specialty - "General Medicine"
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