Many people may experience tooth loss, which if left untreated can lead to several short- and long-term issues. The good news is that several treatments can replace your natural teeth while maintaining their appearance, feel, and functionality. To prevent slipping or falling out of your mouth, a tooth implant will be secured in your jaw. We will cover all the facts you’re interested in regarding dental implants in this blog article so that you will be well-informed if you are thinking about obtaining one. Continue reading to find out more about the dental implant process and how dental tourism in Albania may be your best option to regain your beautiful smile with one or more tooth implants.

What Is A Dental Implant?
With a dental implant, a lost tooth is replaced with a post that is directly screwed into the jawbone. This post acts as a standing base for the crown or artificial tooth, preventing it from falling out. Since the crown will be affixed to your gums and mouth, it will have the same appearance and functionality as your natural teeth.
Dental implants are thought to be the greatest alternative since they will seem more natural and fit better with your other teeth than removable dentures or even crowns that call for the grafting of nearby teeth.
Why Is It Done?
Dental implants are a great option for patients who are missing one or more teeth since they are more trustworthy and long-lasting than dentures or dental bridges. The replacement of lost teeth with bone supports that have deteriorated as a result of periodontal disease is another use of this treatment.

The First Steps Of A Dental Implant Procedure
Tooth Extraction
To make the insertion of your dental implant post, your decayed or dead tooth should be pulled if it hasn’t already. Naturally, you can place an implant when a tooth is still present. However, in cases where the tooth has not been pulled out yet endodontic therapy or a root canal procedure can also be used to save the tooth.
Jaw Preparation
After the tooth is extracted your jaw will be prepared for surgery. To provide adequate bone and space for the implant to be stuck to your jaw, you might also need to undergo bone transplant surgery. The implant won’t adhere if there isn’t enough bone for it to be placed.
Surgical Insertion
The implant is surgically placed into the tooth socket through a hole in the jawbone that your dentist will create. To screw the stud or post into the jawbone, this requires first making an incision in the gum and drilling into the bone.
Healthy Surrounding Teeth
The natural teeth and the tissues that support them close to the tooth socket where the implant is to be placed must be in great condition and free of periodontitis or gingivitis. The dental implant process won’t be successful if there is any problem present.
New Tooth Root
The post will act as your new tooth root once implant integration has occurred and it has merged with your jaw bone, supporting the crown that will be attached to the top of or inserted into the stud. To sustain the connection between the crown and the implant, an abutment is necessary.
The More Preferable Crown
Because the cap or crown has a natural tooth appearance and even feels like one of your teeth thanks to its dental implant anchor, it is preferred over a denture or artificial set of teeth. Even though it is smaller, the abutment that joins the crown to the implant also resembles a tooth.

The Advantages Of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a comprehensive solution for individuals with missing teeth, addressing not only the aesthetic aspect but also crucial functional and structural considerations. One key advantage is their ability to restore a balanced bite by filling the gap left by a missing tooth, preventing neighboring teeth from shifting and maintaining proper alignment. Moreover, dental implants play a pivotal role in preserving the integrity of the jawbone and facial structure, as they stimulate the bone through the natural chewing forces they provide, thus preventing bone loss and structural changes over time. Additionally, dental implants can serve as secure anchors for dental bridges, allowing for the replacement of multiple missing teeth without the need to alter healthy adjacent teeth. In essence, dental implants offer a dependable and comprehensive solution for individuals seeking to restore their oral health and maintain the integrity of their facial features.

The Dental Implant Process
As we said before the dental implant process is a remarkable and transformative journey toward restoring both the functionality and aesthetics of a smile. This intricate procedure involves the placement of artificial tooth roots, known as dental implants, into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. Over time, these implants integrate with the bone, providing a sturdy and long-lasting foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. The dental implant process offers individuals with missing teeth a reliable and natural-looking solution, enhancing their oral health and quality of life. The process consists of:
Preparing For Dental Implant Procedure
Preparing for dental implant surgery entails a series of vital steps that are integral to the overall success of the procedure. The preparatory phase itself often proves to be more extensive and crucial than the actual implant surgery itself.
The initial consultation marks the starting point of your implant journey. During this crucial meeting with a dentist specially trained in implant dentistry, your eligibility for dental implants will be assessed. Not everyone qualifies for this procedure, and this evaluation is the first step in determining whether implants are the right solution for you.
Following the initial consultation, a comprehensive examination takes place. This involves a detailed review of your dental and medical history. Impressions of your gums and teeth are crafted to create precise dental models. Additionally, dental X-rays of the jaw, particularly the area with missing teeth, are obtained to gain insights into the overall oral condition and structure.
In some instances, a CT scan of your mouth may be necessary. This advanced imaging technique offers an intricate view of your oral structures, aiding the dentist in checking the available jawbone for implant placement. This step is particularly vital for individuals with weaker jaws, as it can determine whether bone grafts are required for a successful implant procedure.
Moreover, the CT scan also serves to pinpoint essential structures such as nerves and sinuses that must be diligently avoided during implant surgery. The goal is to avert potential complications like nerve damage or sinus issues, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the dental implant process. These meticulous steps are fundamental in assessing your suitability for dental implants and provide critical information for a smooth and successful implantation procedure.

Bone Grafting
The dentist might go through possibilities for bone augmentation or building if the x-rays or CT scan indicate that there is insufficient bone in your jaw to support an implant. Bone grafting could be necessary to make sure there is enough bone for the post to embed itself in. If not, when you apply the normal biting pressures of the human mandible to your implant, the dental implant surgery might fail and result in the implant dislodging itself.
What To Expect With Bone Grafting
For an implant to be able to embed itself deeply into your mouth like a real tooth root, your jaw will likely need to be augmented with bone from other areas of your body, such as your hip, chin, or jaw, bone from a donor, or synthetic bone material.

Traditional Method
The standard procedure requires two surgeries, separated by three to six months. The extra time is being given so that the patient can recuperate initially.
Initial Incision
Your gums are lightly scraped in the area where the implant will be positioned during the initial operation. To reach the tooth socket where your lost teeth formerly stood, an incision is required, but it won’t be painful as it will be done under general anesthesia.
Cutting and Drilling
Your dentist will drill directly into the bone after making a tiny incision in the gum. This is done to insert the actual metal implant or post into the gap in your bone. The gum incision is stitched when implantation is finished, and then it will take some time to recover.
Healing Period and Second Procedure
You can then move on to the second step of the conventional dental implant surgery after three to six months have passed throughout the healing process. To disclose the implant, a fresh incision must be made. A healing cap is then placed on top of the stud and it will be removed after a few weeks.
Abutment and Crown Placement
The abutment that we mentioned earlier is now set in place to serve as the supporting component of the finished crown. The abutment is required to guarantee a secure fit for the crown that won’t be readily moved by pressures exerted by human chewing.
One Stage Process
One-stage implant dentistry is an alternative for patients who struggle with the extended waiting period associated with a typical dental implant surgery. Its availability varies depending on the clinic or the dentist doing the procedure, however, it is occasionally utilized for implants.
Your dentist will complete this treatment in a single visit, placing the implant, abutment, and a temporary crown or bridge. Without the use of healing caps, the gum will have to be repaired through an implant setup that has already been done.
The dentist won’t have to do repeated incisions and sutures over a three to six-month period, which is a plus. Again, this raises the possibility of difficulties since, in contrast to a single-step dental implant treatment, conventional implants give your body more time to adjust to the implant’s location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental implant procedure take?
From start to finish, it takes between four and twelve months. However, recuperation will take a bit longer if bone grafts are required to prepare your jaw for implants. The length of time varies widely from patient to patient, but our dentists will be able to give you a solid estimate of your treatment duration during your initial, first appointment thanks to the precise scanning technology available at our clinic.
How painful is getting a dental implant?
You will get enough local anesthetic throughout the treatment to make you fully comfortable. The moment it’s all done, you won’t feel anything. After the implant is put in, there may be some discomfort similar to that experienced after most surgeries, but you will be given enough medications to take home to keep you comfortable until you feel better. The good news is that most patients report that the medication works incredibly effectively and that any discomfort disappears entirely in a matter of days.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an effective solution suitable for individuals of all ages who are facing tooth loss. However, several factors must be met to qualify for this surgical procedure.
One important aspect is the presence of healthy gums. Dental implants require close interaction with the gum tissue, emphasizing the importance of their health. Individuals with gum infections or diseases may need to address these issues before becoming eligible for implant treatment.
Additionally, sufficient bone density is necessary for the success of dental implants. These artificial tooth roots are securely anchored in the jawbone, necessitating a sufficient amount of bone strength for support. In cases where the jaw lacks the necessary density, your dentist may recommend additional treatments to rebuild the bone before proceeding with implant surgery.
Maintaining good oral health and hygiene is another crucial factor. To ensure the success of the implant procedure, patients must be free of infections or other dental problems. Consistent practices such as daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential not only for implant longevity but also for overall oral health. These practices are vital for keeping both your implants and your entire mouth in optimal condition.